Mahfuj Alam, an adviser in the interim government, has urged the public to stay calm and not squander what has been gained through the July uprising.
He made this appeal in a Facebook post on Thursday night, as agitated students and youths continued demolishing the Dhanmondi 32 residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, while other groups of protesters vandalized his murals and set fire to the homes of Awami League leaders across the country.
In his post, Mahfuj wrote: “Stay calm. Let the government work. Justice and reforms will happen. I know no one will ask you to stop in this heated time. But even if you insult me, I will say—stop.”
He added: “The people now have the opportunity to become politically aware. Now is the time for constructive politics, for showing better alternatives. To resist, we must train ourselves, become wise, and stay steady.”
“This is a long-term struggle. Prepare yourself, do not act recklessly. Do not squander the gains of the uprising. The enemies want to see and portray you in a certain way—avoid that path for the country's sake. The trauma left by Hasina should not cast a shadow over you. We will build a new society and state. It is a long road ahead, but our nation has no choice.”
