Mahfuz Alam Urges Followers to End Mob Actions

Staff Reporter

Interim government advisor Mahfuz Alam has issued a stern warning to his supporters and party workers, urging them to halt mob activities and chaos. In a Facebook post on Monday night, he stated, “If you support an uprising, stop the mob. If you continue, you will be treated as devils.”

His remarks came shortly after the vandalism at the Sabyasachi stall at the Ekushey Book Fair, indicating a shift in his tone.

Mahfuz added, “After today’s incident, no further requests will be made. It is not your job to take the law into your hands.”

On February 5, following a social media announcement about broadcasting Sheikh Hasina’s speech from India, a wave of arson, vandalism, and destruction swept through 35 districts, targeting homes and properties of Awami League leaders, as well as breaking 50 murals of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family members.

The unrest reportedly began after Asif Mahmud, a close associate of Mahfuz, posted on Facebook, “Let the festival begin.” This was followed by a post from anti-discrimination student movement leader Hasnat Abdullah, who wrote, “Tonight, Bangladesh will be liberated from the shrine of fascism.”

By 8 PM on February 5, the unrest reached the historic Bangabandhu Bhaban at Dhanmondi 32, marking the beginning of a five-day period of chaos. Despite widespread concerns, law enforcement agencies failed to take effective measures until the launch of the “Devil Hunt” operation on Saturday.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, along with three leaders, met with Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus today to express their concerns.

Mahfuz Alam declared, “We will now face these so-called movements and mob parades with a firm hand. There will be no leniency if attempts are made to render the state dysfunctional.”

Addressing a religious segment of his followers, Mahfuz wrote, “You have had peace and the opportunity to practice your faith and culture after over a decade. Your ignorance or extremism threatens to destroy this peace. Refrain from oppression, or oppression will come upon you. This is my final request.”