'Perpetrators will not be spared': Yunus govt reacts to lynching of Hindu man; urges for peace

The Muhammad Yunus-led Bangladesh interim government on Friday condemned the lynching of a Hindu man in Mymensingh city, which witnessed widespread violence after the death of Inqilab Moncho leader Sharif Osman bin Hadi.

The unrest and arson were triggered across the neighbouring nation after Hadi, a poll contender for the upcoming elections, succumbed to the injuries he suffered in an assassination attempt on December 12.


The Yunus-led government urged all citizens of Bangladesh to resist all forms of mob violence, which it said was committed by a few fringe elements.

"We strongly and unequivocally condemn all acts of violence, intimidation, arson, and destruction of properties", the interim government said in a statement on Friday, which is also the first response to the ongoing unrest in the country.

"We wholeheartedly condemn the lynching of a Hindu man in Mymensingh. There is no space for such violence in the new Bangladesh. The perpetrators of this heinous crime will not be spared," the statement said.

On the lynching of a Hindu man in Mymensingh, the government said, "There is no space for such violence in the new Bangladesh. The perpetrators of this heinous crime will not be spared."

The interim government said it "strongly and unequivocally" condemns all forms of violence, intimidation, arson, and destruction of property, warning that such actions threaten to hinder the country's democratic process.

As Bangladesh continues to burn amid the uncertain political conditions, Inqilab Moncho urged the public to avoid the violence, vandalism, and arson that have engulfed the nation.

"At this critical hour, we call upon every citizen to honour Saheed Hadi by rejecting and resisting violence, incitement and hatred", it added.

In the violence, which spiraled in the intervening night of Thursday-Friday, offices of prominent media houses like Daily Star and Prothom Alo were targeted and protestors vented their anger at the partially demolished home of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

In a late-night Facebook post on Thursday, the organisation said: "Through destruction and fire, certain groups aim to render Bangladesh an ineffective state. They seek to undermine the independence and sovereignty of our country. You must understand -- 32 and 36 are not the same."

"As the February elections approach, consider who truly benefits if unrest is created in the country. To maintain stability in Bangladesh, fully cooperate with the government and refrain from violence," they further wrote.

The government on Friday also stressed the significance of the upcoming elections and referendum, calling them "not merely political exercises, but a solemn national commitment." It added, "This promise is inseparable from the dream for which Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi gave his life. Honouring his sacrifice demands restraint, responsibility, and a firm commitment to reject hatred."

Expressing support for journalists, the government said, "To the journalists of The Daily Star, Prothom Alo, and New Age: we stand with you. We are deeply sorry for the terror and violence you have endured. The nation has witnessed your courage and tolerance in the face of terror. Attacks on journalists are attacks on truth itself. We promise you full justice."