‘It's time to resist fanatical fundamentalists and drive them out of country’

In a joint statement, 18 prominent citizens of the country expressed concern over the recent communal and fanatical incidents in the country.

They expressed concern in a statement titled "Amra Uddigno - Amra Shonkito" (We are anxious: We are afraid) released today. The statement was signed by freedom fighter and dramatist Nasiruddin Yousuff, among others.

"The various communal and fanatical events that have taken place in Bangladesh have made us anxious and fearful, which are bearing a very strong signal for the nation," the statement said.

The statement highlighted several recent incidents, including science teacher Hridoy Mandal's arrest and denial of bail on false charges of blasphemy; the assault of college teacher Lata Samaddar by a policeman for wearing a teep; the demolition of statue of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Kushtia on Mujib centenary, and Facebook status updates of policemen and direct hate speeches; the inclusion of teaching to hate people of other religions in 5th standard textbook.

Over the past few years, fanatic militant groups have carried out violent acts in the society in isolation, which have been socially rejected by the people. But when the officials appointed to run the state and some members of the law enforcement forces are indulging in anti-constitution and anti-Liberation War activities, and insulting and oppressing teachers, artists and the common people in various ways, it is natural for the people to feel that the government is not trying to protect the basic four principles of the Liberation War and the fundamental rights of the people in running the state, read the statement.

"We must all acknowledge that unscientific education and communal education of tender-hearted children and adolescents is one of the main causes of today's catastrophe. Because these benevolent people of today were once children and teenagers," it said.

"We demand the immediate removal of any kind of hate-mongering from the curriculum in order to create a science-based and equitable society in Bangladesh's education system. We strongly demand from the concerned authorities to develop the human spirit among the young students who have been influenced by fundamentalist thoughts and have insulted science teacher Hridoy Mandal and handed him over to the police," the statement said.

"At the same time, we demand exemplary punishment of the policemen and the administration officials who are cooperating and fuelling such work. We call upon all the people of Bangladesh that let us work together to establish a society that is science-based, honest and just. There has been a huge delay. It's time to resist fanatical fundamentalists and drive them out of the country," the statement added.

The respondents are journalist Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury, actor Syed Hasan Imam, Professor Anupam Sen, actor and producer Ramendu Majumdar, Ferdousi Mazumder, freedom fighter Dr Sarwar Ali, journalist Abed Khan, fiction writer Selina Hossain, dancer Laila Hasan, Professor Abdus Selim, writer Mofidul Haque, Professor Shafi Ahmed, writer-journalist Shahriar Kabir, Nasiruddin Yousuff, Professor Muntasir Mamun, theatre artist Sara Zaker, Shimul Yusuf and freedom fighter-journalist Haroon Habib.