The Network for People’s Action (NPA) has expressed concern over incidents of baton charges, tear shell firing, and the use of sound grenades by law enforcement agencies against activists and media workers who had assembled to demand justice for the murder of Osman Hadi.
In a press release issued on Saturday, NPA stated that the use of such levels of violence just five days before the election destabilises the country’s political environment and risks bringing the election further into question.
The release, signed by NPA spokespersons Nazifa Jannat, Tuhin Khan, and Ferdous Ara Rumi, further stated that, with allegations emerging from various quarters of attempts to muddy the waters and sabotage the election, it is the government’s responsibility to ensure that no section from within the government is directly or indirectly involved in sabotage or subterfuge.
NPA deemed such excessive use of force in handling political gatherings as unacceptable, stating, “Despite opportunities for restraint, dialogue, and alternative methods to control the situation, force was prioritised, which raises serious questions about the administration’s strategy and decision-making process.”
The release further noted that ensuring justice for the murder Osman Hadi is the state’s legal and moral responsibility. But excessive use of force and intimidation centred on the demand for justice further complicates the situation and damages public trust.
“At the same time, we believe that if the demand for justice for martyr Hadi is used for narrow political purposes, it will weaken the struggle for justice. Those who sincerely desire justice for the murder of Osman Hadi must remain vigilant so that this just demand does not become a tool for political interests,” the statement added.
Calling for a fear-free, peaceful, and acceptable election, the release stated three demands: An impartial and transparent investigation must be conducted into the incident of excessive use of force by law enforcement agencies, and those responsible must be held accountable; the progress of the judicial process for the murder of Osman Hadi must be made public and swift resolution ensured; and, ahead of the election, repression must be stopped to ensure a normal, peaceful, and safe political environment, and effective measures must be taken to prevent any kind of incitement or conspiracy.
Additionally, NPA has called upon all party-affiliated and independent candidates participating in the election to exercise caution and tolerance, so that no opportunity is created for a third party to sabotage the election.
