Faham Calls for an End to Violence Against Awami League Supporters: ‘Oppression Is Never Acceptable’
DHAKA —
In a Facebook post on Saturday, Faham said political disagreement or opposition should never be used as a justification for physically attacking people.
He argued that political opponents should be defeated through justice, fairness and political principles—not through violence or intimidation.
‘It Is Time to Stop These Actions’
Referring to footage he had seen of a man being slapped and beaten by several people at Dhanmondi 32, Faham said he could not independently verify the authenticity of the incident.
However, he suggested that those involved appeared to be associated with his own political side.
He urged supporters to stop such behaviour, saying that simply being associated with the Awami League should not make someone a target of physical assault.
According to Faham, continuing a culture of retaliation would ultimately undermine the moral standing of those who engage in it.
His central argument was clear: political disputes cannot be resolved through violence.
‘They Can Be Defeated Through Justice’
Faham referred to the long-running political conflict between his side and the Awami League and argued that past experiences should provide a lesson for the future.
He questioned whether physically attacking political opponents could ever achieve a lasting political victory.
Instead, he said, such actions could make opponents more determined to resist.
Faham argued that political opponents should be challenged through the rule of law, justice, democratic competition and political organization.
He also referred to years of alleged repression against his political camp, arguing that such measures had failed to prevent the Awami League from remaining a political force.
His question was essentially whether repeating similar methods of intimidation would produce a different outcome.
‘Oppression Cannot Be the Way Forward’
The strongest part of Faham's message was his rejection of political violence and retaliation.
He argued that mistreating political opponents ultimately damages the moral position of those carrying out the attacks.
“Oppression cannot be the way forward,” was the central message of his remarks.
He also condemned the reported assault of ordinary people, stressing that political disagreement does not justify physically attacking civilians.
Concern Over the Loss of Moral Ground
Faham warned that retaliatory behaviour could damage not only those directly affected but also the broader credibility of a political movement.
A movement that seeks public support, he argued, must be judged not only by its political objectives but also by how it treats people who hold opposing views.
In his view, establishing justice and winning public confidence would be a far more effective way of defeating political opponents than intimidation or physical violence.
‘Not About Showing Sympathy to the Awami League’
Faham made clear that his call for an end to violence should not be interpreted as political support for the Awami League.
His argument was about the distinction between political opposition and physical persecution.
Criticising a political party, campaigning against it and seeking to defeat it through elections and political organization are part of democratic competition.
Physically attacking individuals, however, crosses a different line and risks turning political rivalry into violence.
A Broader Question for Bangladesh's Politics
The reported incident at Dhanmondi 32 and Faham's response have once again raised a broader question about Bangladesh's political environment:
How should political opponents be confronted—through retaliation and intimidation, or through justice, political competition and the rule of law?
Faham's answer is unequivocal.
Political disagreements may be intense, and opposition may be uncompromising, but ordinary people should not become targets of violence because of their political identity or affiliation.
His broader message can be summed up in one principle:
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