A procession titled “No to Sabotage” under the banner “Aamrai Bangladesh” marched in protest against recent acts of terrorism, including incidents of setting people on fire in various places like buses and trains. The procession included freedom fighters, teachers, artists, writers, athletes, workers, journalists, entrepreneurs, and people from all walks of life. Today, the procession started at 11:20 AM from Shahid Minar and concluded at Shahbag.
Various organizations, including the Farmers’ Society for the Country, Sports Circle, Bangladesh Education Research and Development Forum, Organization of Hijras – Hope and Peace Welfare Organization, Healthy Life, Padma Bridge Hijra Association, Conscious Hijra Rights Youth Forum and others participated in the rally.
Over the past month and a half, political tension in Bangladesh has been escalating as the BNP, the primary opposition force, persists in its efforts to replace the current government with a non-partisan administration before the upcoming election. In its pursuit of caretaker government, the BNP organized a large rally at Dhaka’s Naya Paltan on October 28, 2023. Unfortunately, the event turned violent, resulting in deadly clashes with the police and prompting the opposition group to declare hartals from that point onward.
The BNP’s appeal for a blockade found resonance among allied parties, with Jamaat-E-Islami, a historic-ally, launching a parallel initiative. The strike and blockade initiatives, stemming from the BNP’s call, have been marred by daily incidents of vehicle arson, causing substantial damage and loss of lives.
Families Devastated by Arson Demanded Accountability and Peace
Participants in the march voiced their concerns, particularly in light of recent incidents involving arson and the loss of lives due to terrorism.
Mizanur Rahman, who recently lost his wife and child, expressed, “I’ve come to seek justice from the nation. Those who set my family on fire should face severe punishment. I’ve lost them, and I can no longer hold them in my arms. I have to carry their lifeless bodies. I appeal to the honorable Prime Minister for justice.”
Nasreen Khodja, who suffered burns in a 2013 incident in Shahbag, called for justice against arson perpetrators. She explained, “When I reached Shahbag from my workplace on November 28, 2013, we were all chanting slogans. My hands got burned, and since then, I’ve endured unbearable pain. We need justice for those responsible for the arson. Today, we witness the burning of mothers and children, along with the murder of innocent people. We demand justice for the victims of terrorism.”
Actor Riyaz voiced his concerns, stating, “We reject the current state of Bangladesh. When a child is tragically burned alive in a mother’s arms inside a train, we must acknowledge that this is not merely politics; it’s something beyond that. We refuse to witness this ‘something else’ in our independent Bangladesh. Enough is enough. Thirty lakh people sacrificed for our flag with their fresh blood. In the same month of that hard-fought victory, we cannot tolerate such atrocities. Terrorism is dragging Bangladesh backward.”
Rahima Begum, a mother who lost her son in a fire incident, stated, “We’re here today to protest against arson. We want to walk safely in our independent country. I lost my son on the way home when a bus was set on fire. Why this terrorism? Don’t we have the right to walk safely in this independent country? I demand justice for the murder of my son!”
Farida Yasmin, the president of the Press Club, concludes the procession by stating, “Today, we have assembled here, representing various professions, to unequivocally denounce terrorism. The horrifying incidents of people being burned alive on buses and trains cannot be considered politics. We strongly condemn these acts and demand stringent punishment for the terrorists within the confines of the law.”
Jannatul Ferdous, a female entrepreneur, declared, “We are peace-loving ordinary people. Terrorism goes against that peace. So, we have come together to protest. This terrorism, vandalism, are causing more harm to our entrepreneurs. Along with our products, even people’s lives are being lost. We want peace, and for the sake of peace, we are standing here.”
Mariya Begum, actively participating in the anti-terrorism procession, remarked, “Since 2009, the nation has been on a peaceful path of development. However, a self-centered group initiated terrorism in 2013, aiming to thwart the altruistic endeavors of progress. Lives are continually sacrificed, destabilizing the country. We demand justice against the arsonists within legal bounds and express our revulsion towards them. We vehemently condemn their heinous acts.”
Prior to the procession, the Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation stages a street drama titled ‘Nirdeshona’(Direction).
