Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) expresses its grave concern and condemns the increasing violence and political clashes in recent time and is calling for necessary measures been taken by all concerned parties to bring an end to that.

ASK considers that negotiation and dialogue within political parties or having any kind of peaceful political activity falls within the purview of exercising democratic rights. Every citizen and group have the right to freedom of expression through peaceful and democratic means. However, ASK expresses its concern over the ongoing violence occurred from Hefajat-e-Islam’s demand for the 13-point charter with the support of BNP and Jamat-e-Islam in the context of the trial of war criminals.

It has been observed that, on 5 May 2013 Hefajat -e-Islam activists marched into Dhaka wielding sticks and bamboos, though they claimed that they would carry out “Seize Dhaka ” program peacefully. They attacked on various government and private, non- offices and also set fire on roadside shops and business institutions. Hefajat -e-Islam used children as shields in their demonstration, exposing them to street violence.

There is no clear statement from the Government on the logic of giving permission to the Hefajat -e-Islam activists wielding sticks and bamboos to lay seize to Dhaka. This is also not clear that how the reported loss of lives occurred when the law enforcement agencies are claiming of not using lethal weapons. Besides leaving scores injured, Hefajat’s violence and vandalism has made many people destitute and severely stunned people’s sense of security. Suspending transmission of two TV channels without giving any reason and still maintaining the suspension is also a serious breach of freedom of expression and freedom of press.

ASK considers that the government should discuss about the way out of the situation occurred from the ongoing violence in the National Parliament immediately and make impartial and independent investigation to deal with the issue more carefully and responsibly. ASK also urges that Hefajat-e-Islam’s violence and attack on individual’s right to freedom of expression must be dealt with democratic means and process, refraining from taking any undemocratic measure.