“Extremist, reckless groups” trying to create anarchy across Bangladesh, says education advisor

He condemns the attacks on newspapers, Chhayanaut, and Udichi

Education Advisor CR Abrar has said some “extremist, reckless groups” are trying to create anarchy and lawlessness across Bangladesh by taking advantage of the murder of Inqilab Moncho Convenor Sharif Osman bin Hadi.

He also condemned the attack and arson on the offices of two newspapers, Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, as well as the offices of Chhayanaut and Udichi Shilpigosthi, which occurred the day after Hadi’s death.

In a statement on Saturday, the advisor said: “While the entire nation is mourning the heartbreaking incident of the death of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi, a few extremist, reckless groups are taking advantage of this incident and trying to create chaos and anarchy in different parts of the country.”

In a statement on Saturday, the advisor said the groups attacked cultural and media institutions, taking advantage of the national mourning following Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi’s death.

"These groups attacked and set fire to the Chayanaut building, a long-standing cultural institution, destroying many of its music and educational materials.

“The school called Nalonda, which is run by Chayanaut, was also damaged in this attack. I strongly condemn this incident and the arson on the office of the cultural organisation Udichi.”

Abrar added, “I express deep concern and strong condemnation of the attack on the offices of two Bangladeshi newspapers, Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, and the despicable act of humiliating the country’s veteran and brave journalist Nurul Kabir.

“The actions of these self-interested quarters are not just an attempt to tarnish the spirit of the July movement; they also risk advancing the conspiracy of anti-Bangladesh ‘fascist’ forces.”