‘Hindu, Muslim all fought for liberation’
“The steps taken to obstruct the long march of Hefazat-e-Islam are unparallel in the history of Bangladesh. On the one hand, the government gave them permission to conduct the long march and on the other hand, it created obstacles by stopping launches, busses and trains. All the standing tickets of trains were cancelled. Attacks were made on the Hefazat activists who tried to reach Dhaka overcoming the obstacles. Hartal was called at night. Giving permission to hold a rally, Hefazat was asked not to make any political speech. It is a dual attitude. The government has to pay for this.”
BNP chairperson’s adviser and former president of National Press Club Shawkat Mahmud made the observation on a talk show titled ‘Tritiya Matra’ on a private TV channel, Channel i, on Friday night. Former general secretary of Supreme Court Bar Association SM Rezaul Karim also took part in the show anchored by Zillur Rahman.SM Rezaul Karim said, “The opposition has supported the programme of Hefazat-e-Islam. But I don’t know whether they scrutinised the programme thoroughly. Hefazat has placed a 13-point demand. One of the demands is to break all the sculptures of the country. BNP or Awami League, none has the scope to differ on some issues. Hafazat has made a demand which, let alone providing security, will escalate the insecurity of the minority. In this background, both AL and BNP should take thoughtful stands to avoid any kind of confrontation.”
He said, “Bangladesh achieved liberation through a great sacrifice to march toward a peaceful future, whereas we are moving backward. It is because, we do not show the tolerance to each other needed in practicing politics. Many unwanted situations are being created due to the failure of the government and the opposition to reach an understanding in matters of national unity.”
At that time Shawkat Mahmud said, “The government seemed reacting excessively as the day of Hefazat’s long march neared. The government said steps would be taken against the anti-Islamists. It started talking against Shahbagh activists. News was even published that Sheikh Hasina has agreed to close down the Shahbagh Mancha. Following the list supplied by the religious leaders, the government started arresting the bloggers. But nobody believes the government now. There are many causes. I don’t think Sheikh Hasina is doing this by heart. She is in hesitation whom she will save, the communists or the Islamists.”Citing that there is no place for communalism in Bangladesh, Shawkat said, “This country is always a moderate Muslim country. People will not allow any theocratic state to be established here. It has been clearly mentioned in the constitution, where independence has been declared, of Bangladesh that the country’s people fought for liberation with three aims. These are equality, human dignity and social justice. There is no place for communalism and fundamentalism here.”
SM Rezaul then said, “There was no need to utter the words like communal or non-communal. These words come to the fore when people start attacking people of other religion in name of religion. It is the tradition of our ancestors that Raam and Rahim lived side by side. Hindu, Muslim all fought for the liberation. The ten household owners of Begumganj have no relation with the verdict of Dhaka’s tribunal. When their homes are attacked only then question rises. If the rulers established law and order properly it would not happen."
Source: daily sun
