Public has shown patience, now it is govt's turn: Student leader Nusrat on Alif murder
The government must fulfil its duty by taking measures to ensure the punishment of those involved in the killing and to provide justice, she says
Despite numerous provocations after the murder of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif, the people of Bangladesh have shown unprecedented patience over the past 24 hours, Nusrat Tabassum, a coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, said today (27 November).
"Citizens have fulfilled their responsibilities, and now the government must fulfil its duty by taking measures to ensure the punishment of those involved in the killing and to provide justice," she made these remarks at a condolence meeting and unity gathering organised by the organisation at Central Shaheed Minar.
Nusrat further said, "If people can make decisions with a calm mind, no plot by the fallen government will succeed. The people of Bangladesh faced every challenge admirably."
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Meanwhile, demanding a ban on the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon), central coordinator Mahin Sarkar said, "Iskcon is a terrorist organisation. We want this organisation to be banned. Those who do not want the good of the country have no right to stay in this country."
He warned, "Sheikh Hasina was removed through a 15-day movement. Now, if anyone attempts to disrupt communal harmony, it will not even take 15 minutes to remove them."
Hannan Masud, a key organiser of the movement, accused Iskcon of occupying Sanatani temples and engaging in aggressive activities.
"Iskcon is not the same as Sanatanis. They have seized temples and lands across the country and committed acts of violence. Extremists of Iskcon are carrying out terrorist activities in the country. They must be banned," he said.
The platform's Spokesperson Umama Fatima said, "The issue of minorities in Bangladesh is a sensitive one, and the Awami League seeks to leverage it for their return."
She claimed AL is not in power but will play the minority card forever.
"On 5 August, when autocratic Sheikh Hasina fled, her last trump card was an attack on minorities, attempting to portray Muslims as a threat to Hindus. India capitalised on this, spreading propaganda against Bangladesh," she said.
She further said, "So far, the followers of Awami League have not been tried, they have not been arrested."
Umama urged the interim government to counter the Indian media's narrative and ensure justice for Awami League collaborators involved in alleged conspiracies.
The rally concluded with a prayer seeking forgiveness for the soul of Advocate Saiful Islam Alif, who was killed in an attack by alleged Iskcon supporters in Chattogram.
