Speakers including educationists, cultural activists, political and student leaders yesterday at a roundtable called upon all to wage a strong movement against alleged radicalisation in textbooks.
Bangladesh Udichi Shilpi Goshthi organised the discussion at the capital's Jatiya Press Club.
Ajay Roy, a former professor of Dhaka University and father of slain blogger Avijit Roy, urged all moderate and pro-liberation war forces to unite and hold a national conference against radicalisation in textbooks.
Mujahidul Islam Selim, president of Communist Party of Bangladesh, said, “We will not be able to materialise the demand just by holding discussions or roundtables. A proactive role is needed in this regard.”
Prof Anu Muhammad of Jahangirnagar University strongly criticised a section of intellectuals, students and political parties who are still silent against the radicalisation in the textbooks as “prescribed by the communal forces”.
Khalequzzaman, general secretary of Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal, cultural activists Kamal Lohani and Nasiruddin Yousuff, also spoke.