ছবি: Hasnat Abdullah and Sarjis Alam deliver speeches at the protest rally held at Tiger Pass in Chattogram | File photo
The murder of lawyer Saiful Islam in Chattogram has sparked widespread outrage, with leaders from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement demanding the immediate arrest of those involved. On Wednesday, November 27, a second funeral prayer for the slain lawyer was held at the Jamiyatul Falah Jame Mosque in Chattogram. Following the prayer, a protest rally was organized at Tiger Pass, led by Hasnat Abdullah, the convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, and Sarjis Alam, the general secretary of the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation. The protest was attended by people from various walks of life.
During the protest, the leaders called for the arrest of those responsible for the murder within 24 hours, and further urged the banning of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), accusing the organization of spreading extremism. The protesters also emphasized the importance of maintaining religious harmony in Bangladesh, with strong denunciations of any attempts to disrupt communal peace.
Demand for Justice and National Unity
Hasnat Abdullah, while addressing the crowd, demanded swift justice for the murder of lawyer Saiful Islam, saying, “The people who killed my brother Saiful must face quick justice. ISKCON must be banned for spreading extremism. Bangladesh will maintain coexistence of all religions, but anyone who uses religion to spread extremism will not be tolerated.”
Abdullah also claimed that there were ongoing conspiracies aimed at disturbing the religious harmony in Bangladesh. “Since August 5, no temple has been destroyed, and no Hindu property has been seized. Instead, Muslim brothers have guarded the temples. Yet, from India, attempts are being made to create unrest in Bangladesh. We want to make it clear that the rehabilitation of the Awami League will not happen in this Bangladesh,” he added, referring to a broader political context in the country.
Appeal for Unity and Tolerance
Sarjis Alam, speaking at the rally, emphasized the peace-loving nature of Bangladeshi Muslims and the country’s historical tolerance towards people of all faiths. “Bangladeshis are peaceful and sympathetic to people of all religions. But those who try to use this sympathy as a weapon for conspiracies will not be spared. We have shown enough tolerance. Now, all of Bangladesh must unite to resist the rise of extremism,” Alam stated.
The rally in Chattogram underscored the increasing concern over the rise of extremism and the growing demands for justice in the wake of the lawyer’s murder. Protesters also raised their voices against the use of religious identity as a tool for political or ideological gains, calling for unity in defending Bangladesh’s pluralistic society.
The Murder of Saiful Islam and Broader Implications
Saiful Islam, a well-known lawyer in Chattogram, was brutally murdered under mysterious circumstances. His death has shocked the local community and raised fears of increasing violence against lawyers and activists. Islam’s colleagues and fellow activists have voiced concern over the potential rise of organized attacks on those who speak out against extremism or advocate for social justice.
The demand for justice in this case is part of a broader movement to ensure the safety and security of lawyers, activists, and citizens who work to maintain peace and equality in the country. The protest also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against divisive forces that threaten to undermine the social fabric of Bangladesh.
Reactions from Various Quarters
The murder of Saiful Islam has drawn reactions from political leaders, activists, and social organizations across Bangladesh. Many have expressed their solidarity with the protesters in Chattogram and their commitment to ensuring that justice is served. The call for the banning of ISKCON reflects growing concerns over the influence of religious groups accused of fostering division and extremism, and it has ignited debates about the role of religious organizations in Bangladesh’s politics.
As the investigation into the murder continues, the public remains watchful, demanding that the authorities take swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent further violence. The protesters in Chattogram have made it clear that they will not rest until justice is served, and they have vowed to continue their fight for a peaceful, unified Bangladesh.
Conclusion: Unity in the Face of Extremism
The tragic murder of lawyer Saiful Islam has become a flashpoint for broader concerns about religious extremism and political stability in Bangladesh. The protest in Chattogram, led by student leaders and activists, is a powerful call for justice and national unity. As tensions continue to rise, the people of Bangladesh must come together to resist the forces that seek to divide them and uphold the values of tolerance, peace, and justice that have long been the foundation of the nation.
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