Civil society calls for Home Adviser’s resignation over security failures

Representatives of civil society have demanded the resignation of the Home Affairs Adviser, citing recent violence and what they described as repeated failures in ensuring public security.

They said the government’s inability to ensure justice in the killing of Inqilab Mancha Spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi, along with its failure to take effective measures to protect media outlets and cultural institutions, prompted the call.

On Friday, civil society members staged sit-ins in front of The Daily Star, Prothom Alo and Chhayanaut, condemning recent attacks, vandalism and arson. They also urged political parties, the media and conscious citizens to take a stronger and more active stand against such acts.

Speaking to reporters, Dhaka University Professor Samina Luthfa said that despite the passage of considerable time since Hadi was shot dead, the authorities had failed to bring the main suspects to justice. “Failure to ensure justice in a murder sends a dangerous message—not just for one individual, but for society as a whole,” she said.

She further noted that recent attacks on media offices and cultural institutions, including Chhayanaut, demonstrate the state’s inability to safeguard freedom of expression and cultural practice. Such failures, she said, carry political and moral responsibility that must be borne by the Home Affairs Adviser.

The programme was also attended by lawyer Manjur Al Matin, writer and former Reform Commission member Firoz Ahmed, filmmaker Kamar Ahmad Simon and other prominent figures. They collectively called for resistance against violence, attacks and the culture of impunity.

Civil society representatives warned that the situation would worsen unless exemplary punishment is ensured for those responsible and security for media and cultural institutions is strengthened immediately.