I usually am very critical of #Bangladesh government and its security agencies. This time I will make an exception b/c how the GoB and BD police handled the jihadi threat and attack against Dr. Muhammed Zafar Iqbal is commendable. Credit must be given where credit is due.
This case is a good example of how the jihadi threat against Bangladeshi intellectuals *should be* handled. GoB and its LEA must offer protection to all Bangladeshi intellectuals (bloggers, writers, freethinkers) under jihadi threat, esp. from AQIS/Ansar, ISIS.
Three broad points re: state protection offered to Muhammed Zafar Iqbal (MZI).
First, Bangladeshi LEA took the jihadi threat against MZI seriously AND deployed a police detail round-the-clock for his protection. This did play a *huge role* in MZI's survival in the latest attack.
First, Bangladeshi LEA took the jihadi threat against MZI seriously AND deployed a police detail round-the-clock for his protection. This did play a *huge role* in MZI's survival in the latest attack.
This is exactly how freethinkers and activists like Avijit Roy, Ananata Bioy Das or Xulhaz Mannan *should have been protected* from jihadi assassination attempts. This is exactly how those under threat now *should be protected*. It is the ultimate job of the GoB and BD LEA.
It is of course awful and terrible that MZI was attacked and attacked brutally but it is also noteworthy that he was not left alone by the state in such a situation where a group of jihadis could just go into his home and slaughter him. Yes, there was a lapse in security but...
... there was security. The difference? MZI is now alive and according to medical sources: out of danger.
Second: There is no victim blaming and apologia. In past cases, after a jihadi assassination took place, we saw how GoB ministers (even the prime minister herself) and LEA officers stooped really low and blamed the victims for their (perceived) blasphemy and perversion...
... as if people who were killed by the jihadis deserved their brutal death b/c they criticised Islam or insulted the prophet etc. Not this time! No minister is saying MZI "crossed a line" or that his views are not conducive to a Muslim society blah blah etc.
This is how it should be! No one, no one should be murdered for their views -- for what they write or what they say or what they believe or do not believe! GoB ministers and officials must never engage in apologia for jihadi assasinations, ever.
Third: It is commendable how MZI was given the best of medical care and is being treated at the best medical facility in the country: the CMH. This, partly due to direct intervention by PM Sheikh Hasina. This exactly is the level of care @AhmedurRashid should have received.
Jihadi attacks against Bangladeshi intellectuals like MZI will continue in the foreseeable future. I really hope GOB and BD LEA will learn a lesson from the latest attack in Sylhet and offer the protection Bangladeshi freethinkers deserve.
Is there anything I missed; was unclear about; or, should add to this thread? Let me know 🙃
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