As Bangladesh approaches its first general election since the August 2024 mass uprising, the interim administration has dismissed concerns over lawlessness, asserting that the government is firmly in control of the nation’s transition to democracy.
In an interview with Al Jazeera published Thursday, chief adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam defended the administration’s record, despite recent bouts of political violence and international scrutiny.
The upcoming polls mark a turning point for the country following the ousting of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who remains in exile in India.
‘Government remains stabilising force’
Responding to questions regarding recent unrest – including the assassination of a student leader and attacks on media houses – Shafiqul insisted that the government remains the stabilizing force in the country.
He highlighted that security forces successfully managed three massive, record-breaking political events in the past week, ensuring they remained peaceful.
“The government is in control,” Shafiqul stated, questioning why anyone would suggest otherwise given the security forces’ ability to manage large-scale gatherings.
While acknowledging the “mob” attacks on prominent media outlets like The Daily Star, he clarified that security forces intervened to rescue trapped journalists, though they were unable to prevent the initial property damage.
He further noted that dozens of individuals identified through video footage have been arrested.
Dismissing allegations of impunity
The Press Secretary hit back at claims from prominent editors and international bodies regarding a breakdown of law and order. He dismissed allegations by New Age editor Nurul Kabir – who suggested government complicity in mob violence – as “absolute nonsense” and a “lie.”
Similarly, Shafiqul rejected criticisms from the United Nations regarding a “failure to address impunity,” pointing out that the administration has only been in power for 17 months and has actively pursued criminal investigations.
He denied that extremist elements had “hijacked” the government, describing the cabinet as “one of the finest,” composed of top academics, retired military officers, and human rights activists.
Awami League ban
A central point of contention remains the interim government’s decision to ban the activities of the Awami League, the party of the deposed Sheikh Hasina.
Shafiqul defended the move, arguing the party “robbed” itself of the right to participate in politics due to its involvement in the “murdering” of hundreds of young people during the uprising.
He characterised the party as a “bunch of thugs” and claimed that the ban has not faced formal objections from foreign diplomats or governments, who he says are aware of the party’s character during its time in power.
Despite reports from Human Rights Watch suggesting that detentions of those connected to the party appear arbitrary, Shafiqul maintained that those in custody face valid legal charges.
Minority rights and ‘misinformation’
Addressing the spike in attacks on minorities, including the lynching of a Hindu man, Deepu Das, Shafiqul stated that the government has done a “pretty good job” in its response.
He confirmed that 12 people were arrested in connection with the death of Das, which he termed a “hate crime”.
However, he attributed a significant portion of the reports regarding minority persecution to “misinformation” spread by Indian media.
While acknowledging some incidents involving the Hindu and Ahmadiyya communities, he argued that the vast majority of such clashes are rooted in land and property disputes rather than religious hatred.
He further argued that crime statistics remain comparable to previous years, suggesting that claims of a total breakdown in order are exaggerated.
Tensions with New Delhi
The presence of Sheikh Hasina in India remains a “flashpoint” for the interim government. Shafiqul expressed confidence that she would eventually be extradited under the existing treaty between the two nations, describing her as a “notorious mass murderer.”
The administration has accused Hasina of inciting her supporters to engage in “terrorist activities” from Indian soil to thwart the upcoming elections. Although India has denied these claims, Shafiqul insisted that Bangladeshi intelligence agencies are monitoring social media and audio messages that provide evidence of such incitement.
The Yunus legacy
As the tenure of the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus nears its end, Shafiqul maintained that the administration has performed an “unbelievable job.”
He argued that Yunus inherited a “broken economy” hit by the equivalent of a “9-degree earthquake” but managed to restore stability.
“History will be kind to him,” Shafiqul concluded, citing a consistent approval rating of over 70% for the Chief Adviser throughout his 17-month tenure.
He asserted that the administration has successfully built the “foundation block of a new Bangladesh” by improving the economy, restoring law and order, and upholding cultural diversity.
