We the citizens of Bangladesh and Our Friends Around the World, We Demand Security...

On 27 January 2005, a grenade attack on a public meeting in Habiganj killed six persons, including Shah A M S Kibria, MP, former Finance Minister and injured nearly a hundred others. During the past five years, between March 1999 to January 2005, 21 separate incidents of bomb and grenade attacks have killed over 140 persons and injured many others. These attacks have targeted political meetings, cultural spaces such as theatre or song performances (Jatras and Baul singing) or cinemas and circuses, and religious places of worship (Ahmadiya mosques, churches, mazars). They have targeted both political or cultural activists, and common people.

Information available from official and non-official news sources reveals that after such attacks, investigations have remained inconclusive, evidence has been destroyed, enquiry commission reports, where produced, have not been made public and perpetrators have not been caught. In only one case has the accused been charge-sheeted. So far no trials have been held.

We grieve for each life that has been lost, for each life that has been maimed or injured. At the same time, we condemn the terror attacks in the strongest possible language and urge the government to:

- hold an independent, impartial and transparent investigation into each bomb blast and grenade attack (free of government interference);

- provide medical care for those injured in such attacks and compensation for the families of those killed or injured;

- prosecute and punish those responsible for such attacks under due process of law;

- take urgent steps to improve the law and order situation in accordance with respect for fundamental rights, including to life and liberty;

- take measures to ensure the independence and integrity of public institutions;

- restore a democratic environment conducive to freedom of participation in political and cultural activities (jatra, baul singing), for women's sports events (wrestling, swimming, football), etc and to freedom of expression.