Bangladesh is facing war-like circumstances, says Advisor Mahfuj

Information Advisor Md Mahfuj Alam says that Bangladesh is now facing “war-like circumstances” and has called on everyone to “unite and build resistance.”

In a Facebook post early on Tuesday, he wrote: “The government is fighting a war against the powerful domestic and foreign alliance that was defeated in the Mass Uprising.

“But vested interests have risen up to sabotage the unity of the Uprising. And they are succeeding. It would be best for us all, in the end, not to have face offs between the army, the political parties, and the various forces of the Uprising.”

“We have to remember that the country is now in war-like circumstances and this war has been imposed on us from elsewhere. Every day and every week, the programmes for that war are monitored and run through a control room. We have to unite and build resistance against this war.”

The advisor, who played a key role in the July Uprising, made the remarks in a Facebook post from his verified account at 3am.

“At a review meeting yesterday [Sunday] led by the honourable chief advisor, we discussed measures to prevent repression and violence against women and children, take a firm stance against the activities of banned organisations, and to improve the overall law and order situation,” he said.

“We said in a press conference that the government would take a firm stance. From yesterday to today [Tuesday], the arrest of criminals in different areas has been ongoing and the government is also working to make their trials speedier but fair.

“The issue of arranging hundreds of thousands of jobs for students and the youth and a national programme for youth was also raised and discussed at the meeting.

“Visible action will soon be taken on this matter. The government will show zero tolerance for militancy and terrorism and coordinated action is already being taken on the matter.”

The advisor also highlighted the achievements of the interim government. “The government has had success in its work on various issues, starting from price control, the arrest and trial of criminals, strengthening institutions, and taking positive initiatives for the July martyrs and injured.”

“But, the opposition of the Mass Uprising by the civilian and military bureaucracy, the business class and the media, and their self-interest and fanaticism on one hand and the gradual rise and unification of the forces against the Mass Uprising are putting the government in a difficult situation.”

Mahfuj said that various issues including state reforms, the trials of genocide and looting, the revival of institutions and democratic transformation are losing focus under these pressures.

“Since the opportunity and capacity to rebuild this country have been created under the tenure of this government, prescriptions for a change of government are coming quickly from abroad.

“However, the elections will be held on time and there will be visible progress in state reform in this country based on the July Charter before the elections and the murderers, rapists and looters will be brought to justice."