Don’t try to cash in on Bhola incident

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday urged all to have patience and warned that those trying to take advantage of the Bhola incident will be punished. 

“I urge the people to be patient. Those who want to fish in troubled waters capitalising on this incident will be tracked down and appropriate measures will be taken against them,” she said, while addressing a meeting with Jubo League leaders at Gono Bhaban. 

At least four people were killed and a hundred others injured in a clash between police and a mob in Bhola over a hate conversation spread through the Facebook messenger. 

Hasina said some people are deliberately doing such heinous acts to create instability. “Whenever the country runs properly, a section of people try to create chaos.” 

She sought cooperation of all in stopping these people. 

Hasina said punitive measures must be taken against anyone who wanted to disrespect Prophet Muhammad (SM). “At the same time, if anyone tries to frame another person, measurers will also be taken against them.” 

The prime minister said the Facebook account of a minority youth was hacked by another youth. The hacker demanded Tk 20,000 over the phone, and threatened that if not, he would write something which will be dangerous for that youth. Getting the phone call, the youth went to the police station to lodge a general diary. Police arrested that youth and later also arrested the person who hacked the account, she said. 

“We’ve communicated with the Facebook authorities for further information. We’ll be able to collect all related information.” 

Hasina termed the incident “unwanted”, which led to the loss of lives. 

She also wondered how a Muslim can write derogatory remarks about the Prophet just to put another person in trouble. “Negative propaganda was spread on Facebook. Who’re these people, what’s their intention?” 

Hasina, also chief of the ruling Awami League, said how a Muslim, who has the minimum respect for the Prophet, can write such remarks about him. 

The prime minister said the government is taking the country forward, and it has continued its drive against terrorism, militancy, drugs and corruption. “There will be no mercy for criminals.” 

Hasina said when the country is developing economically, it is natural that some people will became greedy. “As a result, society is pushed towards destruction. This type of injustice will not be tolerated.” 

She said the government wants everybody to have a good life through economic emancipation. “But I think it is a must to take punitive action against any sort of injustice.” 

In this connection, she mentioned that whenever a change happens in society, some people suddenly become rich while some remain poor. “We’re working hard to run the economy in such a way so that the people at grassroots level can get economic benefits and the income disparity doesn’t widen.” 

The prime minister said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman liberated the country to bring smile to the faces of the general people. “We’re running the country keeping that in mind.” 

Hasina said that taking advantage of a Digital Bangladesh, some bad elements often create problems. “I request everyone not to pay heed to rumours and know the truth, and act accordingly.”