Former Bangladesh Minister Mohammad Ali Arafat, from the Awami League, accused radical Islamist groups of being behind the recent attacks on prominent media offices and cultural institutions in the country. He highlighted that violent supporters of extremist leader Sharif Osman Hadi targeted establishments like The Daily Star, Prothom Alo, ‘Chhayanaut,’ and ‘Udichi Shilpigoshthi’ in Dhaka. Arafat emphasized the need to analyze the motives driving these attacks and the individuals involved, pointing out the extremist nature of the violence.
Arafat expressed concerns over the celebration by radical Islamists of what they perceive as a triumph over symbols of Bangladeshi culture, the spirit of the country’s 1971 Liberation War, and its secular values. He noted that these groups had previously clashed with the Awami League government in July–August 2024, raising questions about the depth of their animosity towards the ruling party. Arafat called for a thorough examination to determine whether this hostility stems solely from the party’s tenure in power or has deeper ideological roots.
The former minister described the assaults on ‘Chhayanaut’ and ‘Udichi Shilpigoshthi’ as calculated political attacks aimed at undermining the foundations of the 1971 Liberation War and its secular principles. He stressed that these actions were not random acts of vandalism but deliberate attempts to erode the country’s historical identity. Arafat highlighted the significance of ‘Chhayanaut’ in preserving Bangladeshi heritage and its role in inspiring the nation during the Liberation War.
Arafat raised concerns about the upcoming February 2026 elections in Bangladesh, emphasizing the importance of ensuring a genuinely participatory electoral process endorsed by impartial international observers. He criticized the current ban imposed by the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government on several political parties, warning that such restrictions could disenfranchise millions of voters and undermine the democratic nature of the elections. Arafat urged for free, fair, and inclusive elections to safeguard the rights of all citizens and uphold democratic principles.
