Members of civil society have demanded exemplary punishment for those responsible for attacks on the Chhayanaut building and two media outlets in the country.
The demand was made from a protest programme held in front of the Chhayanaut building in Dhanmondi on Friday afternoon.
Speaking at the programme, Dhaka University Sociology Professor Samina Luthfa said, “Everyone has seen throughout the night who carried out these attacks and how. We therefore demand that those responsible be identified and brought under the law immediately.”
She added, “We are deeply saddened by the death of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Osman Hadi. We all want justice for this killing. However, using this incident, a certain group is trying to destabilise the country. In this regard, the government must take strict action.”
Samina also called on the Home Affairs adviser to resign if he fails to ensure justice for the attackers.
Human rights activist and lawyer Barrister Sara Hossain also demanded a fair investigation and trial over the attacks on the country’s cultural institutions and media. She urged law enforcement agencies to take necessary steps to prevent such attacks in the future.
During the protest, demonstrators displayed hand-written placards reading, “Why was editor Nurul Kabir attacked?”, “We do not want mob rule”, “We protest the attacks”, and “Why the attack on Chhayanaut, where is the interim [government]?”
Others present at the programme included Supreme Court lawyer Manzur Al Matin, Dhaka University Mass Communication and Journalism Assistant Professor Marzia Rahman, BASAD (Marxist) Dhaka-7 nominated candidate Sima Dutta, and several guardians of students studying at Chhayanaut.
Chhayanaut GS mourns Hadi
Chhayanaut General Secretary Laisa Ahmed Lisa has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Osman Hadi and strongly condemned the attack on Chhayanaut.
In a separate statement, Lisa said, “The attack on Chhayanaut centring on the death of Osman Hadi is beyond our understanding. At this moment, we are extremely shaken. We desperately want a proper and impartial investigation into the incident.”
TIMES of Bangladesh also spoke to several guardians in front of Chhayanaut. The son of Ishtiaq Ahmed studies at Chhayanaut at the pre-primary level. The guardians said they have been traumatised by last night’s attack.
Speaking to TIMES, Chhayanaut Rabindra Sangeet teacher Partha Pratim Roy said, “From the ground floor to the sixth floor, every level was ransacked. All musical instruments were smashed. The library was set on fire. Even chairs, tables and cupboards were not spared.”
