Violence is not justified under any circumstance: Kanak Chapa

Noted singer Kanak Chapa has strongly condemned the recent violence and unrest surrounding the death of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, saying those responsible for attacks, vandalism and arson in the country's art, literature and cultural spheres can never represent his ideals.

In a Facebook post, Kanak Chapa recalled Osman Hadi's repeated assertion: "I want to be just even with my enemy." She said the statement clearly reflects that justice and human values lay at the heart of his beliefs. However, she noted that the destructive acts carried out in response to his death are entirely contrary to those principles.

The singer also wrote that Osman Hadi never called for violence against what he viewed as cultural aggression. Instead, she said, he had urged the creation of a positive and meaningful culture. Those who have engaged in destructive activities at art, literary and cultural institutions, she added, can never be considered peaceful patriots.

Kanak Chapa further referred to the killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a member of the Sanatan (Hindu) community, in Bhaluka of Mymensingh, describing the incident as unacceptable. She said brutally killing someone on allegations of blasphemy cannot be justified under any circumstances. If an offence had indeed been committed, she stressed, justice should have been ensured in accordance with the country's existing laws, adding that taking the law into one's own hands can never be a religious or moral act.

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Calling on people from all walks of life to remain vigilant, Kanak Chapa urged citizens to uphold the country's independence, sovereignty, order and peace, despite differences in religion, opinion and ideology. "Do not harm the country or its people by giving in to the provocations, rumours and instigation of conspirators," she wrote.