Dhaka, Feb 03 (V7N) — A major political controversy has erupted after Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Advisor of the interim government, posted a picture on Facebook of himself throwing dirt into a dustbin featuring a portrait of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the Bangla Academy on the first day of the Ekushey Book Fair.

The act, which was widely shared on social media, has sparked significant debate. In response to the backlash, Shafiqul Alam posted a statement on Facebook on Sunday night, addressing the criticisms and reaffirming his stance against the Awami League.

Shafiqul Alam’s Explanation

In his detailed social media post, he defended his actions, stating that the interim government is committed to holding Awami League leaders accountable for past actions. He outlined several points, emphasizing that:

  • The interim government remains neutral only towards its allies, particularly those who played a role in restoring democracy.
  • Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule was marked by dictatorship, crimes against humanity, and state resource plundering.
  • One of the key priorities of the interim government is to prosecute those responsible for killing protesters during the July uprising.
  • He described Sheikh Hasina as a "mass murderer" and a "dictator," defending his right to express such views under freedom of speech.
  • He accused Awami League supporters and foreign backers of trying to distort history and portray the recent coup as an Islamist takeover.
  • He warned of a global propaganda campaign by the Awami League and vowed to counter it at any cost.

The statement has intensified political tensions in Bangladesh. Pro-Awami League supporters have condemned his actions, calling them disrespectful and inflammatory. Meanwhile, critics of the former government have defended his stance, seeing it as a necessary exposure of past political crimes.

The incident at the Ekushey Book Fair, a culturally significant event in Bangladesh, has further fueled the already volatile political landscape following the July uprising and the establishment of the interim government.

Authorities have not yet commented on whether any legal action will be taken against Shafiqul Alam for his controversial act and statements. However, the issue is expected to dominate political discourse in the coming days.

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