'Mancha 24' issues one-week ultimatum to govt over 'Mancha 71'

‘Mancha 24’ has issued a one-week ultimatum to the Ministry of Home Affairs, demanding action against the organization ‘Mancha 71’. The group claims that ‘Mancha 71’ is a pro-foreign platform, allegedly backed by Indian expansionist forces, aiming to rehabilitate the Awami League. They also criticized the authorities for their inaction and apparent indifference to the issue.

The statement was delivered at a press conference around 11:00am on Friday (August 29) outside the National Museum in Dhaka.

At the press conference, it was alleged that during a recent meeting organized by ‘Mancha 71’, participants chanted Awami League and Mujibist slogans while mocking the July revolutionaries. ‘Mancha 24’ described ‘Mancha 71’ as a fascist platform acting against the interests of Bangladesh.

The organization also stated that they had previously warned the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU), but their warning was ignored, allowing ‘Mancha 71’ to proceed with the meeting. They demanded that DRU President Abu Saleh Akon retract his statement and apologize to the nation within 24 hours.

At the press conference, the organization issued two main demands:

1) Action must be taken against ‘Mancha 71’ within one week; otherwise, legal measures will be taken against the Ministry of Home Affairs and other responsible authorities.

2)The DRU president must retract his statement and apologize within 24 hours, or face consequences.

They also warned that journalists and media outlets publishing content contrary to the spirit of the July uprising would face action within seven days if they do not change their stance.

The press conference was attended by the organization’s convener Ikramul Hasan, organizer Colonel (Retd.) Ferdous Aziz, Duke Huda, and other leaders.