Eminent economist Anu Muhammad on Wednesday described the attacks and arson carried out on Prothom Alo, The Daily Star, Chhayanaut, Udichi, and New Age editor Nurul Kabir on the night of 18 December as planned terrorist attacks, rejecting claims that they were spontaneous or isolated incidents.
He made the remarks while addressing a protest rally in front of the National Museum at Shahbagh, organised in protest against what the organisers termed a series of “terrorist attacks” across the country.
Speaking at the rally, Anu Muhammad said the violence was not the result of unruly behaviour by a few youths but a well-coordinated operation. He alleged that attackers openly set fire to properties, looted valuables, and endangered lives while police and army personnel present at the scenes remained inactive.
He questioned the role of law enforcement and intelligence agencies, asking why no action was taken despite advance warnings circulating on social media for months. “Such inaction creates the impression that the state and government are indirectly facilitating these acts,” he said.
Referring to comments by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus about building a “new civilisation,” Anu Muhammad asked whether the brutality witnessed in recent months—particularly on 18 and 19 December reflected that vision.
He further claimed that the individuals and institutions targeted share a common identity, they had actively opposed Sheikh Hasina’s 16-year rule and consistently taken positions against oppression, inequality, and authoritarianism throughout Bangladesh’s history. He said they represent the ideals of the 1971 Liberation War and the 2024 mass uprising.
Anu Muhammad also warned of a broader pattern of attacks on cultural activities over the past year, including assaults on shrines, minority communities, women, and cultural events. He said these incidents have led to a sharp decline in cultural activities nationwide, with many events cancelled and cultural workers facing unemployment.
Describing the violence as driven by an “organised ideological force,” he criticised the interim government for what he called selective inaction—remaining passive on public safety while actively pursuing opaque agreements involving foreign companies, including at Chattogram Port and in LNG imports.
He claimed the interim government was witnessing a convergence of corporate and religious fascism, pushing it into opposition to public interests.
The rally organisers placed seven demands, including impartial investigations and trials in recent killings, justice for all mob and terrorist attacks nationwide, punishment of those inciting violence, protection of freedom of expression and public safety, compensation for victims, removal of the home adviser for failing to ensure security, and holding parliamentary elections within the announced schedule.
Following the rally, protesters marched through Shahbagh, Nilkhet, and Katabon before concluding the demonstration in front of the Udichi office.
