Staff Correspondent

A total of 154 prominent citizens from various professions, including teachers, artists and writers, have released a joint statement condemning the evil attempts of a specific group to disrupt the 12th parliamentary election scheduled for January 7.

In the statement, they said, “The Anti-liberation forces are engaged in hatching a conspiracy to catch fish in troubled water by creating a constitutional crisis in the country. We are deeply concerned over the conspiracy being hatched both at home and abroad.”

The prominent citizens also urged all authorities concerned to conduct the 12th parliamentary election within the stipulated time frame by thwarting all conspiracies.

“We attained independence as a nation through our supreme sacrifices and steel-solid unity. But, it is a matter of great regret that even after 52 years of the country's independence, we are still engaged in a struggle against the anti-liberation forces," they said.

The vested group has been engaged in carrying out arson attacks from 2014 to 2018. This group became active again following the announcement of the schedule for the 12th parliamentary election, according to the statement.

They are on a destructive spree in the country, resorting to acts of vandalism and arson attacks on people's lives, properties, and public transportation, including trains, by announcing hartal from a secret location, they said.

Their aim is to disrupt and cripple the country's economy by destroying rail tracks at various locations in the name of anti-government movement, read the statement.

The close allies of colonial forces are actively undermining the country's economy just as Bangladesh is progressing towards self-sufficiency, reducing dependence on foreign aid, they said.

“Those indulged in committing such sabotage have been identified. We urge the government to bring the monstrous force to book for tougher punishment. At the same time, we expect that the Election Commission will show its boldness in fulfilling the constitutional responsibilities to hold the upcoming national election in a free, fair and credible manner.”

The country may face consequences similar to those experienced by many nations, including Iraq, Syria, Libya, and Afghanistan if the conspiracy against its independence, sovereignty, and development succeeds, they said.

The eminent citizens also called upon all pro-liberation forces to form a unity imbued with the spirit of the Liberation War in a bid to wage a strong resistance against the evil forces, said the statement.

They also hoped that the Election Commission would undertake all necessary measures so that people from all walks of life in the country can exercise their franchise without fear.

They also called upon the voters to cast their votes in the election amid festivity.