16 citizen groups demand home advisor’s resignation

Citizen organisations have demanded the resignation of the home advisor for his “failure” over the murder of Inqilab Moncho Convenor Sharif Osman bin Hadi and the subsequent deterioration in law and order.

In a statement issued on Friday, 16 organisations said they were gravely concerned and called for steps for the immediate restoration of law and order.

The organisations include Ganatantrik Odhikar Committee, Network for Democratic Bangladesh, Charan Sanskritik Kendra, Naripokkho, Association for Land Reform and Development, University Teachers’ Network, Nagarik Coalition, and Voice for Reform.

The statement said that different groups with vested interests are trying to exploit the incident for political gain and to destabilise the country.

“Even one year after the [July Uprising], the interim government has failed to ensure citizens’ safety from the ousted Awami League and different forces at home and abroad,” the statement added.

The statement noted Hadi was shot just the day after the schedule for parliamentary polls was announced on Dec 11. Hadi was a frontliner in the movement against the previous Awami League government, who wanted to peacefully participate in the election, according to the statement.

Hadi passed away in Singapore on Dec 18 while undergoing treatment. His death sparked a wave of violence, including vandalism and arson.

It demanded a fair probe into Hadi's murder.

Politics of division along with violence have made all citizens feel even more insecure, the statement said.

The statement also expressed concern over the attacks on the media and Chhayanaut, the assault on New Age Editor Nurul Kabir and attempts to attack the Indian High Commission.

Expressing concern over the violence reported in many areas in Bangladesh after Hadi's death, the statement pointed out that the preparations for the incident took place over a long period, with provocation from social media influencers, who operate from abroad.

“The law-enforcing agencies have failed to take any effective measures to prevent the incident,” it added.

The statement presented a five-point demand, including the resignation of the home advisor.

The other demands include the arrest of the perpetrators of Hadi’s murder and their trial, an investigation into the recent incidents of violence, protection of citizens' lives and property before the general election, and bringing those inciting the violence from home and abroad to justice.