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Bangladesh Interim Govt Urges Calm After Jamaat Leader's Murder Ahead of Polls

The Bangladesh Interim Government has expressed deep concern and called for calm following the murder of a Jamaat-e-Islami activist in Sherpur, urging all political parties to ensure restraint with elections two weeks away. Police have launched an investigation and heightened security, while the government reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful electoral process. Concurrently, a minority unity council has demanded the election commission prohibit religious hate speech and ensure minority voters can access polls without obstruction. A senior Election Commission official stated that all necessary steps are being taken to guarantee a free, fair, and peaceful election where no one can interfere with voting.

Key Points: Bangladesh Calls for Calm After Political Murder Before Election

  • Govt condemns murder of Jamaat activist
  • Calls for restraint from all parties ahead of election
  • Police investigation launched, security heightened
  • Minority council demands protection from hate speech
  • Election Commission vows free, fair, and peaceful polls
3 min read

Bangladesh: Interim Government calls for calm after Jamaat leader's murder

Bangladesh's interim government urges restraint after a Jamaat-e-Islami activist's murder, commits to a peaceful election as minorities seek protection.

"Violence, intimidation, and loss of life have no place in a democratic process. - Chief Adviser Press Wing"

Dhaka, January 29

The Bangladesh Interim Government expressed deep concern over the recent violent incident in Sherpur that resulted in the death of a political activist of the Jamaat-e-Islami party. Any loss of life linked to violence is unacceptable and deeply regrettable, Chief Adviser Press wing said on Thursday in a statement.

With the national election only two weeks away, the government called on all political parties, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, to demonstrate responsible leadership and ensure restraint among their supporters. Violence, intimidation, and loss of life have no place in a democratic process, it added.

It was further noted that police in Sherpur have launched an investigation into the clashes and the murder. All perpetrators will be brought to justice. Security in the district has been stepped up.

The statement called for all parties, leaders, and campaigners to play their role in maintaining peace, respecting the rule of law, and engaging voters through peaceful and constructive means. The nation's future depends on calm, discipline, and democratic conduct from all sides.

It said that the Interim Government remains committed to ensuring a peaceful, free, and fair election.

Ahead of the upcoming elections, Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council in a statement placed demands for the election commission to create a level playing field and foster a positive environment so that religious and ethnic minority voters can go to polling centres without obstruction, prohibit use of religion and communalism in election campaigns, ensure religious places are prohibited from being used for election campaigning and that religious hate speech, statements, the spread of false rumors, or any such propaganda should be treated as punishable offenses.

As the elections draw close, Bangladesh Election Commission said it is duty-bound to protect the voting rights of minorities and ensure a peaceful poll.

Senior Assistant Secretary Matiur Rahman said, "Our intelligence agencies have already gathered information regarding potential vulnerabilities in the region. The Election Commission has implemented preventive measures to ensure that no one can disturb the process or harm the voting of any group, including minorities. All agencies are carrying out their duties as per instructions. I can confidently say that no one will be able to interfere with the casting of votes."

Rahman said that the Bangladesh EC was taking all steps to ensure a free and fair election.

"The Election Commission has already announced the election schedule and has selected 64 returning officers. Our preparations are ongoing, and we hope that the situation remains under control. We expect that all political parties, candidates, civil society, and citizens will join this process spontaneously. The Election Commission is taking all necessary steps to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election in Bangladesh," he said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The demands by the Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council are absolutely crucial. Minorities must feel safe to vote. This is a lesson for all democracies, including ours—communal politics and hate speech have no place in elections.
R
Rahul R
While the government's statement is good, actions matter more. They need to show they are serious about bringing perpetrators to justice, not just making statements. The world is watching.
A
Aman W
As an Indian, I sincerely hope for peaceful elections in Bangladesh. A stable, democratic Bangladesh is good for trade, security, and cultural ties. Hope the EC lives up to its promises.
M
Michael C
Respectfully, the statement from the Interim Government feels a bit generic. Calling for calm is standard, but the real test is in the investigation and protection of minority voters. The proof will be on election day.
N
Nisha Z
This is so sad. No one should lose their life over politics. Hope the people of Bangladesh can choose their leaders without fear. The focus should be on development and progress, not violence.

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