Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor, Muhammad Yunus, has issued a fervent appeal for calm, urging citizens to uphold law and order and desist from any further assaults on properties linked to Sheikh Hasina’s family and Awami League politicians.
The statement, released by his press wing on Friday, called for peace following a wave of unrest.
The appeal came in the wake of the recent vandalisation of the historic residence of Bangladesh’s founder, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in Dhaka.
The incident occurred on 5 February during a live online address by Sheikh Hasina, the deposed prime minister and daughter of the nation’s founder.
Protesters, reportedly demanding a ban on the Awami League, forced entry into the premises and caused extensive damage.
Yunus acknowledged the protesters’ grievances, stating, “The anger of the activists who have attacked properties is understandable because they and their relatives and friends lived through years of tyranny under Hasina.”
However, he emphasised that abiding by the rule of law was essential to differentiate the new Bangladesh from the past regime.
“The Government understands the activists’ sense of outrage,” the statement read, “that even from her refuge in New Delhi, Hasina continues to try to mobilise her militants to hamper Bangladesh’s recovery from her years of abuse.”
India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned the incident, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stating, “It is regrettable that the historic residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a symbol of the heroic resistance of the people of Bangladesh against the forces of occupation and oppression, was destroyed on 5 February.”
He added that the act “should be strongly condemned.”
Yunus further highlighted the importance of proving the nation’s commitment to civil and human rights.
Also read: Bangla govt changes track, condemns vandalism
“For the citizens who rose up and overthrew the Hasina regime in July and August to realise their dreams for the country, it is imperative to prove to ourselves and our friends around the world that our commitment to our principles — respecting one another’s civil and human rights and acting under the law — is unshakable,” he said.
The statement underlined the government’s efforts to work with security forces to maintain stability.
“Our security forces are aware of this imperative. The Government is working with the country’s security forces to preserve law and order and to protect the lives and property of all Bangladeshis,” it said.
Any attempts to destabilise the country, including provocative activities and property destruction, would be met with strict action, Yunus warned.
Addressing those who had overthrown the Hasina government, the press wing stressed, “The leaders of the fascist regime have left the country in complete ruins. They have no chance to come back as long as we remain alert and retain the moral high ground.”
It further cautioned that attacks on properties associated with the former regime could provide them with opportunities to seek international attention and propagate “fabricated stories.”
The statement added, “We are in the process of trying them for their crimes against humanity. The whole world is with us.”
Yunus concluded by urging citizens to act with discipline and channel their energy towards peaceful and productive endeavours.
“The Chief Adviser calls on all citizens to materialise our dream of building a country where all Bangladeshis can live in security and dignity,” the statement read.
This is not the first time the Dhanmondi 32 residence has been targeted. In August last year, demonstrators attacked the house, causing significant damage and setting parts of it ablaze.
Sheikh Hasina was ousted in August following a student-led movement that saw weeks of protests and clashes, resulting in over 600 fatalities.
The interim government, led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, has since taken charge.
Also read: Unrest spreads across B'desh after ex-PM Sheikh Hasina’s address
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