Bangladesh: Shahbagh vigil calls for fighting Jamaat unitedly

Black flags were hoisted across the country on Monday and people wore black badges mourning the death of blogger Ahmed Rajib Haider as the congregation at Shahbagh began their 14th day of vigil. Thousands of people continued to pour into the square to express solidarity with the movement. Among those present were finance minister AMA Muhith and other political and cultural personalities.Condemning the politics of Jamaat-e-Islami, Muhith urged people to join hands and put up resistance against the activities of Jamaat. Expressing satisfaction over the amendment of the International Crimes Tribunal Act, the participants said it was a great success for the nation. Citing the machinations of the Jamaat activists, they stressed the need of closing the ranks and fight the Jamaat with all their might.At 11am, the bloggers hoisted the black flag to pay tribute to Ahmed Rajib Haider, who was killed by unidentified persons on Friday. A large procession, led by Awami League, and with supporters of Left-leaning student groups like Chhatra Union, Biplobi Chhatra Maitry and other political parties and people from all walks of life joined the youths at the Shahbagh square.Security was tightened with police and security personnel in plainclothes guarding the square and its entry points.Speaking to The Independent, Asaduzzaman Nur, MP, said the Jamaat-e-Islami is an evil force and people must be united to destroy them politically. He also said that people’s spontaneous participation has proved that there is a strong feeling of hatred against those who committed crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War.Raisul Islam Asad, an eminent actor and a freedom fighter, said during the 1971 war they had given back their arms but they hadn’t forgotten their skill. “If it is needed again we will use our training as we had used during the war,” he said.The Eden College students also expressed solidarity with the movement. At 3pm, a large number of showbiz personalities and technical personnel joined the assembly. Expressing solidarity with the youths, film actress Nipun said: “We are the new generation who haven’t seen the Liberation War, but could feel the pulse of it by joining this movement.” She also said that all over the world those who committed crimes against humanity have been punished and this should happen in Bangladesh too.Nirab, a model, said, “We would not be able to respect the martyrs and the people who suffered during the Liberation War, if we cannot ensure capital punishment for those who committed crimes against humanity during the war”.