Dhaka University’s Blue Panel teachers has made a statement regarding the ongoing political turmoil in the month of victory. It was issued by prof. Dr. Md. Abdur Rahim, prof Dr. Md. Akram Hossain and Dr. Md. Abdus Salam. The statement published in Bangla asserts the following-
“A statement protesting against the political instability in the country during the month of Victory”
Recently, a group has been creating political instability by disrupting the existing peace in the country. The Dhaka University Blue Panel strongly condemns and opposes engaging in such misconducts. In the nine-month long great liberation war of 1971, three million martyrs and more than 2.5 lakh mothers and sisters sacrificed their lives. On December 16, Bangladesh achieved the final victory. Many institutions, including Dhaka University lost their brightest students in this month. Many events are held in a solemn way to honor the martyrs. On Martyred Intellectuals Day and Victory Day, lakhs of people pay their tributes at the intellectual’s graveyard and Rayerbazar graveyard.
Additionally, various programs are held in educational institutes to spread the spirit of the liberation among new generation. In 1975, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the pioneer of the nation was murdered and the spirit of the liberation war was destroyed. On Martyred Intellectuals Day and Victory Day, lakhs of people pay their tributes at the intellectuals’ graveyard and Rayerbazar graveyard. Various programs are held in educational institutes to spread the spirit of the liberation among new generation. Now, to dishonor the pride of this historical month, the defeated forces of 1971 and their allies are involved in numerous misdeeds.
YOU CAN ALSO READ: STUDENT POLITICS OR APOLITICISM WHICH ONE SHOULD BE PROMOTED?
Since 2009, Bangabandhu’s proud daughter, HPM Sheikh Hasina has been in power for three consecutive terms, and Bangladesh has experienced remarkable growth. People around the country are pleased with the government for the unprecedent developments. Bangladesh has been globally lauded for its effective response to the pandemic and other incredible achievements.
The current government has won the hearts of the citizens by constructing major projects such as the Padma Bridge, Nuclear Power Plant, Metro Rail, Bangabandhu Satellite, and Bangabandhu Tunnel. On the other hand, in 2014, a specific group was accountable for the murder of 200 individuals in the name of a political program through negative politics, patronage of militancy, arson, terrorism, and other criminal acts.
The nation-shattering image of the hartal-strike and the arson that resulted in that group’s lack of public support is still fresh in the citizens’ minds. They don’t have any power in politics now. Therefore, this group wants to disrupt the nation’s political system and overthrow the government. Additionally, they are openly threatening to destroy the democratically elected government, which is treachery.
Election is the only way to change power in a democratic way. The present government is making every effort to hold participatory election in 2024. According to article 37 (Freedom of assembly) of the constitution of Bangladesh, “Every citizen shall have the right to assemble and to participate in public meetings and processions peacefully and without arms, subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interests of public order or public health.” A political party in Dhaka has scheduled a public meeting for December 10th. Exactly on this date (10 December), a blueprint for the murder of intellectuals was established in 1971.
Therefore, the desire to hold a political program for this party on this day brings to mind the cruelty and warlike environment of 1971. It reminds the nation of how an undemocratic government seized power illegally after brutally murdering Bangabandhu’s family. This party had also attempted to bury the history of the Liberation War by constructing a children’s park on Suhrawardy Udyan where the Pakistan Army had surrendered. Despite getting the permission to hold a public meeting in Suhrawardy Udyan, the party was blocking the roads in Paltan area in violation of public interest on December 7. During the riot in Paltan, an innocent pedestrian was killed, which is by no means tolerable.
We sincerely hope that everyone will come to their senses, avoid the path of political rhetoric, and return to the integrity-based politics. We ask everyone to keep the peace so that everyone can exercise their right to carry out the program following the laws of Bangladesh while also considering the public interest. Otherwise, if the democratic process is disrupted, it won’t be beneficial for anyone. The Dhaka University Teachers Association has always been vigilant against any undemocratic activities. We continue to oppose any undemocratic actions that violate the law of the land. We demand a resolute stance against any form of violence toward democratically-minded citizens.
