Use of only force won't help fight terrorism
Applying only force will not be helpful in fighting militancy and there is a need for building national unity, awareness and social resistance, speakers said at a human chain yesterday.
Civil society organisation Sushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SHUJAN) organised the anti-militancy programme at the capital's Shahbagh.
Different social, political, and human rights organisations including Ain o Salish Kendra, BLAST, Brotee, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), and Bangaldesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa) participated in the human chain.
Security analyst Brig Gen (retd) M Shakhawat Hossain said, "Steps have to be taken socially on the basis of national unity. If there is disarray, it will be difficult to resist the rise of militancy."
Calling for stopping crossfire, Shakhawat, also a former election commissioner, said, "Crossfire is not an answer; rather it creates vindictiveness in minds. Bring the suspects to trial and give them an opportunity to return to normal life."
Addressing the programme, SHUJAN Secretary Badiul Alam Majumdar said that to neutralise radicals and prevent youths from being lured into militancy, there was no alternative to launching a massive de-radicalisation campaign.
Use of extra force is not a solution to curb extremism; rather it might compound the problem, he observed.
"When the spread of radicalism and militancy is politically motivated, it becomes a curse. Its roots run deep today despite the government's zero tolerance measures. It proves that the government's policy to fight militancy is wrong because it is based on only use of force," he added.
He said the struggle to get rid of this problem must be all-encompassing and long-term. "As it is a national problem, we have to root out the problem through discussion, debate, and argument."
Majumdar also said a strong unity among all secular and democratic forces beyond partisanship was a must.
While talking about the causes of militancy, Gonoshasthaya Kendra founder Zafrullah Chowdhury said, "Militancy is a protest, but its language is different and method wrong. When discriminations and lack of freedom of speech prevail in society, militancy arises. Only democracy is not the solution; rather it needs accountability."
Protesting Bangladesh Islamic Foundation's decision to recite a common khutba (sermon) during juma prayers at all mosques across the country, local government expert Tofail Ahmed said, "A pluralistic culture also prevails in mosques. It is dangerous to select the content of khutba centrally; local Muslims should decide it."
SHUJAN's Sylhet chapter formed a similar human chain in front of Sylhet Central Shaheed Minar.
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