Chief Adviser orders legal action against attackers on book fair stall

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has voiced his strong disapproval following an attack on a stall at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair. 

In a statement from his office, he highlighted the seriousness of the incident, noting, 

"Such disorderly behavior shows clear disrespect for both the rights of the citizens and the laws of our nation."

On Monday night, the government’s head office released a statement instructing the police and the Bangla Academy authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident and take swift action to ensure the attackers face justice.

The statement read, “Police have been directed to strengthen security measures at the book fair to prevent any further disruptions. All necessary steps should be taken to ensure that this significant cultural event remains peaceful. The interim government has also ordered law enforcement agencies to take strict actions to curb any kind of unrest across the country.”

Earlier that day, a group identifying themselves as the "Touhidi Janata" launched an attack on the stall of "Sabyasachi Prakashani" during the Ekushey Book Fair. 

The attack caused a commotion, forcing the stall to shut down. Later, the police reported that the publisher had been taken into protective custody for safety reasons.

The group reportedly targeted the stall due to its sale of a poetry book written by exiled author Taslima Nasrin, who has been living in India. Allegations suggest that the publishing house had been receiving threats before the attack.

In a separate statement, the Chief Adviser’s office stressed the cultural significance of the event, saying, “The Ekushey Book Fair is a celebration of the nation’s writers and readers. It is a place where authors, thinkers, intellectuals, teachers, students, and people from all professions and age groups come together.

“Incidents like this tarnish the spirit of cultural freedom in Bangladesh and show a lack of respect for the martyrs of the great 1952 Language Movement."

The attack has stirred up heated discussions on social media. Interim Government Adviser Mahfuz Alam addressed the matter through a Facebook post, urging people not to take the law into their own hands.

In his post, he warned, "From now on, we will deal with so-called movements and mob activities with a firm hand. Any attempt to make the state seem weak or ineffective will not be tolerated.”

This incident, occurring in such a cherished national event like the Amar Ekushey Book Fair, draws attention to the rising tension between cultural expression and opposing groups who try to enforce their views through force. 

The quick response from the government signals a commitment to uphold order and protect the freedom of thought and expression, which the fair represents. 

This situation might also spark a larger discussion on ensuring that such events remain spaces where diverse views can coexist without fear of violence.