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The interim government has urged citizens to resist all forms of mob violence and has condemned acts of intimidation, arson and destruction of property, describing the current period as a critical moment in the country’s democratic transition.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the government said violence carried out by “a few fringe elements” must not be allowed to derail the transition, as the country prepares for elections and a referendum.
“We strongly and unequivocally condemn all acts of violence, intimidation, arson, and destruction of properties,” the statement said.
The government said Bangladesh was standing at a historic crossroads and warned that chaos and hatred posed a direct threat to peace and democracy, reports bdnews24.com.
“This is a critical moment in our nation’s history when we are making a historic democratic transition. We cannot and must not allow it to be derailed by those few who thrive on chaos and reject peace,” it said.
Referring to the upcoming elections and referendum, the statement said these were “not merely political exercises” but a national commitment tied to the dreams for which Inqilab Moncho Convenor Sharif Osman bin Hadi had "sacrificed his life".
“Honouring his sacrifice and memory demands restraint, responsibility, and abiding commitment to reject hatred,” the government said.
The interim administration also expressed solidarity with journalists who have come under attack, naming The Daily Star, Prothom Alo and New Age.
“We stand with you. We are deeply sorry for the terror and violence you have endured,” the statement said, adding that attacks on journalists were “attacks on truth itself”.
The government promised full justice for those targeted, saying the nation had witnessed journalists’ “courage and tolerance in the face of terror”.
The statement also condemned the lynching of a Hindu man in Mymensingh, calling it a heinous crime and asserting that there was “no space for such violence in new Bangladesh”.
“The perpetrators of this heinous crime will not be spared,” it said.
Calling on citizens to act responsibly, the interim government urged people to reject violence, incitement and hatred, saying this was the true way to honour Hadi at a critical juncture for the nation.