Citizen Initiative observes with grave concern the brutal killing of a businessman named Sohag in broad daylight in Old Dhaka, allegedly due to internal conflict within the BNP. The horrifying footage of assailants dancing and celebrating over his lifeless body is both disturbing and shameful to any person of conscience. We strongly condemn this barbaric act and demand an immediate and impartial investigation to identify and bring all those responsible to justice.

Furthermore, reports suggest that at least 77 people have been killed in political infighting since August 5, 2024. This rising death toll is starkly inconsistent with the vision of a democratic transition in post-July Uprising Bangladesh. Citizen Initiative urges all political parties to resolve internal disputes through democratic processes and to immediately renounce all forms of violence.

According to media reports, since August, over 100 individuals have been killed across the country due to clashes and retaliatory violence involving the Awami League, its affiliates, and other political actors. This pattern of violence is creating widespread fear and insecurity among the general public. While we acknowledge the post-uprising challenges faced by the government, the failure to visibly improve the law and order situation more than a year later reflects serious governance and administrative shortcomings.

Citizen Initiative calls on the government to uphold accountability and good governance, and also appeals to political parties and the general public to act with unity and restraint in defense of democratic values.

Sincerely,
Taib Ahmed
Secretary, Citizen Initiative
PhD Candidate & Instructor, Colorado State University

Dr. Hasan Mahmud
Chair, Citizen Initiative
Assistant Professor, Northwestern University in Qatar