Statement on Threats of Extremist Attacks
We, Hezbut Tawheed, a non-political religious reform movement based in Bangladesh, wish to provide an update on the current situation affecting our movement.
Recently, a student-led mass uprising has arisen in Bangladesh. Following 15 years of governance, the previous administration has fallen, and an interim government now oversees the country's administration. Such political transitions often generate an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, which extremist groups exploit to further their agendas. Consequently, our members have become targets of these extremist elements.
For 29 years, we have been engaged in an ideological battle against all forms of extremism. This commitment has led to numerous violent attacks against us. Tragically, five of our members have been killed, and many of our members' homes have been destroyed. Notably, Hossain Mohammad Salim, our leader, has experienced repeated vandalism of his residence. In 2016, his village home in Sonaiamuri Upazila of Noakhali was attacked, resulting in the brutal murder of two of our members. During this attack, rioters also demolished a mosque under construction on his property and set it ablaze.
The perpetrators involved in these attacks continue to seek revenge. Moreover, individuals with whom we have religious and ideological disagreements are using the current instability to threaten us with further violence and massacres. These threats are being incited through social media and local networks. Recently, on August 5th and 6th, eight of our offices, including those in Sherpur, Joypurhat, Pabna, Panchagarh, and Sunamganj, were vandalized.
Currently, there are active plans to attack our leader’s residence once again. Several hundred families associated with our movement reside in the vicinity of this house. Our focus remains on constructive development rather than destruction. In recent years, we have made considerable advancements in our village by establishing schools, a mosque, small-scale industries, cattle farms, fish farms, and over fifty development projects. These initiatives provide livelihoods for many families who have invested their assets in these projects. Yet, extremist groups are now plotting to attack and loot these ventures. Miscreants have already set fire to the homes and businesses of at least 200 families, causing damages estimated at around Tk 2 crore. Hundreds of women, children, and elderly individuals have been displaced and are living as refugees. On August 10, extremists also destroyed eight stacks of hay collected from 30 acres designated for a cattle farm. It is evident that their intent is to cause widespread harm, reminiscent of their actions in 2016.
Hezbut Tawheed was founded in 1995 by Emamuzzaman Mohammad Bayazeed Khan Panni, a member of the esteemed Panni family of the subcontinent. Over the past decade, we have conducted more than 250,000 public meetings, seminars, and rallies to address the misuse of religion. Throughout our 29 years, we have maintained a steadfast commitment to legality and have never engaged in unlawful activities.
From the outset, those who misuse religion have subjected us to severe persecution due to our ideological stance. We champion interfaith harmony and strive to prevent the exploitation of religion for personal gain. We oppose the confinement of women and support collaborative efforts between men and women with mutual respect. We challenge extremism masquerading as Islam and advocate for interpretations that foster a healthy culture and artistic expression. Our mission to present Islam as a progressive way of life has led to significant opposition from extremist groups. To date, we have endured over a thousand attacks. Despite our efforts to seek justice through legal channels, the attackers have evaded accountability by cloaking their actions in religious pretexts.
We currently live in a state of uncertainty and fear. As law-abiding citizens, we seek assurance of our rights, security for our lives, livelihoods, and the safety of our families and property. We demand the protection of our human rights and the freedom to express ourselves.
Thank you for your attention and support.
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