We stand by Sultana Kamal

Instead of taking any initiative to reign in Hefajat-e-Islam's communal and anti-liberation roles, the government rather encouraged the Islamist force, eminent citizens told a protest meeting yesterday.

They also said the government had made no progress in establishing justice in the recent cases of violence and rampage Hefajat unleashed.

The eminent persons, who organised the programme under the banner “Nagorik Samaj” at the capital's Cirdap, strongly condemned the recent ultimatum and threats given to rights activist Sultana Kamal and other prominent citizens by Hefajat.

The protesters extended their support for her.

"We stand by Sultana Kamal,” said Prof Ajoy Roy, who chaired the meeting.

The father of Avijit Roy, who was killed by fundamentalist groups, said the nation should not forget the contribution of Sultana Kamal and her family during different struggles and movements.

Reading out a written statement on behalf of the citizens, economist Prof MM Akash demanded immediate arrest of those who distorted Sultana's speech and threatened her.

"Even after the public threat against Sultana Kamal and the person who threatened her being identified, no arrest attempt or legal action has been taken by the law enforcement agencies.

"This is all too familiar. The trend of impunity not only puts Sultana Kamal's life at risk, but also raises questions about the government's commitment to its constitutional duty to ensure security of the citizens," he said.

The written statement said, "Because of the protection granted by a section of the government they can dared to spread lies, distort and engage in communal rhetoric that goes against the spirit of the country, in a holy place such as the Baitul Mukarram mosque."

Around 30 eminent persons from different sectors spoke at the event.

Referring to the rise of religion-based groups in different countries, journalist Abed Khan said fundamentalist groups spread their wings and rose to the helm whenever they were given a little chance.

"The so-called compromise will bring disasters," he said, adding, Bangladesh was heading towards a dark era, and there was no scope to remain silent now.

Executive Director of Manusher Jonno Foundation Shaheen Anam said the allegations against Sultana Kamal were false and fabricated and that those were created in a planned way only to silence her voice.

"She speaks without fear. Many people may not like it," she added.

Shahriar Kabir, president of Ekaturrer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee, said that after Hefajat's 2013 mayhem and suing of its activists and followers, the prime minister promised not to give them any chance to repeat such an incident.

"The government needs to explain why it was given space now," he added.

Narayanganj-based cultural activist Rafiur Rabbi, whose son Taqi was kidnapped and murdered four years ago, said it was imperative to find out whether the incident involving Sultana Kamal aimed at serving vested interests.

Rabbi, who is now facing a lawsuit filed by Hefajat, said the Islamist group was used for suing him.

Dhaka University's Prof Gitiara Nasreen said progressive minds should come under a single platform to identify the evil forces playing from behind and launch a movement against those.

Nasimun Ara Haque Minu, convener of Bangladesh Nari Shangbadik Kendra, said the country had already stepped into a dark era by giving space to Islamist groups like Hefajat.

Former deputy governor of Bangladesh Bank Khondkar Ibrahim Khaled said there was no scope to tolerate those who threatened Sultana. The culprits should be brought under book immediately, he said.

Women's rights activist Maleka Begum urged the progressive people to wage a movement against communal forces.

Economist Prof Abul Barkat said the threat against Sultana was linked to the ill-motive to turn the country into a communal and militant state.

Moderated by Nijera Kori coordinator Khushi Kabir, rights activist Hameeda Hossain and cultural personalities Syed Hasan Imam and Sara Zaker, among others, attended the programme.

On June 2, Hefajat leaders from a rally in front of Baitul Mukarram gave an ultimatum to the government to arrest Sultana within 24 hours or send her into exile. Hefajat's threat came after a recent television talk show, now available on YouTube.

Hosted by DU teacher Robaet Ferdous, the programme was participated by Sultana Kamal, Hefajat leader Mufti Shakhawat Hossain, Gonojagoron Mancha spokesperson Imran H Sarker, and former Awami League lawmaker Apu Ukil.

At the talk show, referring to the statue of Lady Justice on the Supreme Court premises, Shakhawat said there should be no religious structures on the court premises, Sultana told The Daily Star. "I said, yes, I agree with you. There should be no religious structures on the court premises. Not even mosques," she said.