A group of prominent intellectuals, activists, and professionals have issued a statement in support of national unity, urging Bangladeshis to maintain solidarity in the face of growing challenges. The statement comes in the wake of a series of violent events and rising communal tensions following the fall of the previous regime.
The statement reflects on the historic events of 5 August 2024, when the despotic regime of Sheikh Hasina was overthrown in a people’s uprising, leading to the establishment of an interim administration led by Professor Yunus. The signatories expressed widespread support for the new government and its task of restoring trust in state institutions, rebuilding the economy, and ensuring a peaceful transition to democracy.
However, they also highlighted the threats posed by elements of the ousted regime, who, with foreign backing, are allegedly spreading misinformation and instigating violence to sow division within the nation. The statement particularly condemns the recent murder of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif in Chattogram on 26 November, which the group attributes to propaganda and communal tensions fueled by the fallen regime.
The statement urges a thorough investigation into the murder and calls for the swift punishment of those responsible. The signatories warned against the danger of communal violence, stressing that such acts would only play into the hands of those seeking to destabilize Bangladesh. They also cautioned that any form of violence could further exacerbate the country's already fragile economic situation, deterring vital domestic and foreign investment.
The group called for unity across all sectors of Bangladeshi society, irrespective of religion, political affiliation, or background, to confront these challenges and work towards national rebuilding. They also expressed concern over the continuing threats posed by Sheikh Hasina from her exile in India, warning that her actions and rhetoric remain a potential threat to Bangladesh’s sovereignty and unity.
The statement concluded with a call for patience, restraint, and collective action from all pro-democracy forces in Bangladesh to navigate the country's political and economic recovery.
The prominent personalities supporting the call for national unity in Bangladesh include Dr. Rumi Ahmed Khan, Professor of Bangladesh Studies and Physician, Convenor of the Bangladesh Research Analysis and Information Network; Dr. Shamaruh Mirza, Scientist and activist, Founder of the Diaspora Alliance for Democracy; Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, Writer and activist; Ehteshamul Haque, Lawyer; Jyoti Rahman, Economist and writer; Dr. Faham Abdus, Scientist and activist; Nusrat Khan Majlish, Engineer; Dr. Nusrat Homaira, Scientist; Dr. Syed Rouf, Public service, Canada; Nazia Ahmed, Economist and social entrepreneur; Maj Shafayat Ahmad (Retd), Writer and Activist; Dr. Ahmad Habibur Rahman, Retired Faculty and Engineer; Sultan Mohammed Zakaria, Educationist and Human Rights Defender; Dr. Mubashar Hasan, academic & social justice activist, Executive Director of Sydney Policy Analysis Centre; Ifat Tabassum, Public Service, Australia; Dr. Saiful Khondaker, Professor; Rupom Razzaque, Data Engineer & Human Rights Defender, UK; Dr. Mohammed Mia, Investment Strategist and Finance Professional; Z Chowdhury; Asad Ul Islam; M Rashed; Abu Sayeed Ahamed, Writer and Activist; Muntasir Mamun; Ashraful Hasan; Jon Danilowicz; Kazi Ahmed; Taukir Aziz; Ehatasham Haque; Murshid Shalin; Asif Khan; Mariha Tahsin; Saif Shah Mohammed; Mahmudul Khan Apel; Faisal Mahmud; Dr. Capt. (rtd) Khan Sobayel Bin Rafiq; Md Subail Bin Alam, Engineer, Writer and Activist; Imtiaz Mirza; Jayed Ullash; Asif Iqbal, Public Policy Professional; Dr. Saimum Parvez; Shahad Munna; Zia Hassan, Writer and Activist; Fahim Mashroor; Sainul Hossain; Zia Hassan Siddique; Dr. Rushad Faridi; Islamul Haque; Waseem Alim; and Rubaiyath Sarwar.
