PEN Bangladesh condemns attack on Zafar Iqbal

PEN Bangladesh, an organiuzation for writers, has condemned the attack on Prof Zafar Iqbal. “Dr Iqbal is a courageous fighter for freedom of expression and human rights,” a statement signed by the organization's President Prof Syed Manzoorul Islam and Secretary General Mohammad Moheuddin, said on Sunday. “PEN notes with relief that Dr. Iqbal is now out of danger,” it read. “We at PEN Bangladesh feel grateful that the injuries Dr Iqbal suffered were not life threatening and that he would be back soon doing what he likes to do best—teaching, and writing about dangers of extremism, injustice, denial of rights and a host of other issues that we confront on a daily basis,” the statement read. But the organization said it was also worried that this would not be the last attempt on Zafar's life, and that there may be more. “We request the government to provide him adequate security so that he can lead his life without having to worry about his safety,” the statement said. PEN Bangladesh restated its uncategorical support for freedom of expression and said it stood by Zafar Iqbal as he fights extremist thoughts with logic and reasoning. The organization said it believes that opinions and ideas can only be countered by opinions and ideas, and not by stifling thought.