"Even if one is guilty, none has the right to make an entire community suffer"

Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, lawmaker from Narail-2 constituency and also former skipper of Bangladesh national cricket team, today (July 16, 2022) called upon all to maintain peace and work to ensure communal harmony, following attacks on Hindu community in Lohagora of Narail yesterday over a Facebook post that reportedly "hurt religious sentiments".

"I am really shocked with the incident that happened yesterday in our area, it is hurting me every moment. I humbly request everyone to refrain from doing anything that might threaten peace and discipline," Mashrafe said in a Facebook post.

"Please don't tarnish Narail's thousand years old heritage of communal harmony in a bit by falling in the trap of those who want to destroy it."

"Islam is the religion of peace. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has been the messenger of peace and harmony his whole life."

"There is rule of law and administration in the country, they will take necessary steps. Under no circumstance we can take the law in our hands. Even if someone is found guilty, no one has any right to make an entire community suffer for one person's crime. If someone commits a crime, the person will be tried as per the country's law, you and I cannot punish someone for it."

"Immediately after being informed about the incident, I have called upon the local police and administration to take prompt steps. I also communicated with Narail's police super, DIG and also the home minister for immediate steps to this end… My heart cries for those who were affected."

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"I am telling you that I am by your side in every way possible… This country, its soil, light and air, everything belong to us all."

"I did not seek your support to build this Narail. We will live in harmony, help each other in bad times, perform our individual religious practices, this is our heritage."

"I call upon the respected imams to spread Islam's message of peace at this time of grave despair. I also urge the priests of Sanatan (Hindu) community to spread the message of communal harmony among all, including the youths."

"This is our country. We must ensure that the land never becomes unsafe for anyone."

"We shall look into why such an incident happened in a peaceful area…My utmost efforts will be on to do whatever else is necessary. I request all for your cooperation," Mashrafe added.