The peace loving city dwellers urged the countrymen to say ‘no’ to the ongoing violence occurring across the country over political issues.
The call was made in a human chain programme formed by the concerned citizens under the banner of Amra Ek.
About 1,000 people from all walks of life and different professionals joined the programme held in the city’s Mirpur Road intersection of Manik Miah Avenue on Saturday evening.
In the human chain the participants carried hundreds of banners with different slogans those cited-say ‘no’ to violence, want responsible politicians, want peace in our country and no alternative to peace, listen to the people and talk both of you (Hasina-Khaleda) together, we are all the same and people of Bangladesh.
The noted personalities who took part in the programme are Syed S Kaiser Kabir, Managing Director of Renata, Kazi Zahin Hasan, chairman of the Dhaka Tribune and its editor Zafar Sobhan.
The speakers urged the politicians to stop violence and to find a way to reconcile their differences and reach to a consensus.
“The political impasse has paralised the country since the beginning of 2013. To date, over one hundred people have died in the incidents of violence including arson attacks, clashes between law enforcers and opposition men, and rival political factions,” they said adding, “Hundreds of political leaders and also human rights activists have been arrested during the time.”
The economy of the country is on the verge of destruction due to violence that is slowing the ongoing sustainable growth and prosperity of the country, said the speakers.
For millions, the day to day struggle to make living is now tainted with the fear that they might be burnt on the way to workplace or home.
They also said: “We believe that our political leaders have an obligation to the common people to build a functioning, prosperous and truly democratic country. And this can be fulfilled only through mutual cooperation and good faith negotiation between the political parties.”
A peace petition in the name of “Amra Ek” has started its move for peace a week ago in which over five thousand people have already endorsed. Finally, it will be distributed to the political parties, they added.