BDI condemns violence in country

Bangladesh Development Initiative (BDI), a US-based advocacy group, has strongly condemned the recent spate of violence, especially on minorities and their places of worship, in the country.
“These attacks severely undermine not just the national compact that we Bangladeshis have with one another, but they also violate international human rights,” said BDI officials in a statement yesterday.
Such “hostile” and “criminal” acts are inimical to foreign investment, darkening the overall image of the country as a promising and emerging economy, said the statement signed by Munir Quddus, BDI president; Farida Khan, secretary of the organisation, and six other officials.
Bangladesh has the possibility to attain the coveted middle-income nation status in the next couple of years, but all progress and potential will go to waste if the country cannot achieve internal harmony and socio-political stability, the statement said.
"We strongly urge the authorities to take all possible steps to tone down violence and hostilities, safeguard lives and property of all citizens of the country, especially the poor, the vulnerable, and the minority communities in Bangladesh," the statement added.