Threats on Kushtia SP: Noted citizens call for arrest of miscreants

Eleven eminent citizens yesterday demanded arrest of those who misinterpreted Kushtia police superintendent's recent remarks on sculpture vandalism issue and threatened him, saying his remarks were in support of independent Bangladesh, achieved through the Liberation War.

Instead of being cautious, extremist groups misinterpreted SP Tanvir Arafat's remarks, they said in a joint statement.

"The reason is nothing but an ill-attempt to divert people's eyes from the issue of arresting those who were behind the sculpture vandalism incidents," they said in the statement.

They added that the SP's speech which went viral on YouTube once again, upholding Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's ideas, and made it clear the core desires of Bangladesh.

They also said a "counter-statement" of Hefazat-e Islam issued against the Kushtia SP's speech made it clear their stance against the spirit of the Liberation War of 1971.

On December 21, during a protest rally against vandalism of sculptures of Bangabandhu and Bagha Jatin in Kushtia, SP Tanvir reportedly warned vested groups to restrain from raising questions about Bangladesh's independence.

The eminent citizens who gave the joint statement are: Sarwar Ali, Ramendu Majumdar, Abdus Selim, Mamunur Rashid, Mofidul Hoque, Shahriar Kabir, Muntassir Mamoon, Nasiruddin Yousuff, Golam Kuddus, Hasan Arif, and Ahkamullah.