BEN-NY-NJ-CT BEN deplores threats to Prof. Anu Muhammad and Prof. Zafar Iqbal and others

UsaNewsOnline.Com Desk, New York : Bangladesh Environment Network (BEN) — the global network for protection of Bangladesh and global environment — deplores the recent death threats issued to Prof. Anu Muhammad, Prof. Zafar Iqbal, Prof. Yasmin Hoque and others.

It is unfortunate that Prof. Anu Muhammad is receiving threats not only from religious fundamentalists but also from some aggressive corners of the ruling party because of his leading role in the movement against the Rampal coal-fired power plant.

One may differ with certain views of Prof. Anu Muhammad, Prof. Zafar Iqbal, and others. However, no one should question their patriotism and  pro-people commitment. For several decades now, they have been waging civic movements on various issues of public interest with unmatched dedication and effort.

It is good to know that the Prime Minister has admonished the former environment minister, Dr. Hasan Mahmud, who has been making particularly aggressive remarks about Prof. Anu Muhammad and others who are waging the movement against the Rampal coal-fired power plant. She apparently also acknowledged the democratic right of the people to oppose the Rampal plant. BEN hopes that ruling party activists will heed the Prime Minister’s caution and will refrain from offensive utterances and actions regarding the participants of the movement against the Rampal plant.

BEN also urges the government to take seriously the threat against Prof. Anu Muhammad, Prof. Zafar Iqbal, Prof. Yasmin Hoque, and others from the religious fundamentalists and offer them necessary protection. Past events have shown that these forces do indeed carry out the intentions they convey in their threats. BEN also urges these professors and leaders themselves to be cautious.

Overall, BEN hopes that the government will take necessary measures to ensure a democratic environment, in which people can express their views without being intimidated and subjected to violence. Protection of environment requires people’s participation which can thrive only in a democratic environment. Press Release.