We condemn the bomb attacks on Hussaini Dalan in central Dhaka on Saturday which killed a teenage boy, Sajjad Hossain Saju, and injured around 100 people. The three home-made bombs, aimed at people gathering for a Shia community procession marking the holy Ashura, were clearly intended to maximise carnage and division. Bangladesh has no history of Sunni-Shia sectarian conflict. It is outrageous and unprecedented for this religious gathering, which has been peacefully taking place throughout the capital’s 400-year history, to be violently targeted in this manner. The frequent violent attacks on Shia communities in Pakistan and the sectarian civil wars which plague Yemen and other parts of the Middle East are completely alien to our nation. It is vital that the country stands united together in the face of these despicable attacks. Individuals or groups who conduct, condone, or incite such acts have no place in our society. Everything possible must be done by the government and law enforcement agencies, to bring the perpetrators of this outrage to justice. A thorough investigation is needed to follow up the suspects held in the case so far, to identify any other persons or groups involved in these attacks, and to help prevent any further incidents. We are confident that Bangladesh’s traditions of religious tolerance and communal solidarity will enable the public to resist the unconscionable acts and vicious propaganda of groups who would seek to use such violence to spread fear and hatred. It is imperative that, in addition to catching those responsible for these attacks, society stands firm in the face of groups who seek to sow the hatred and intolerance which embolden individuals to carry out such violent attacks.
Source: Dhaka Tribune