Home Affairs Advisor Brigadier General (Retd.) M Sakhawat Hossain, while addressing the current political situation in Bangladesh, expressed his respect for Sheikh Hasina, emphasizing that no one asked her to leave the country. He asserted that she should return, as Bangladesh is her country, and take part in political activities. Sakhawat Hossain’s remarks were seen as an invitation for Sheikh Hasina to reengage in the nation’s politics after her recent departure. Mentioning about recent exile of Sheikh Hasina he urged her to return to the country, as she still holds citizenship and has the right to come back. He advised against any actions that could provoke public anger, drawing parallels to the survival of other political parties after their leaders faced legal challenges.
However, the advisor’s speech quickly sparked widespread criticism. Students and citizens took to the streets in protest, issuing stern warnings against any attempts to repatriate Sheikh Hasina and her associates, whom they referred to as “killers” and “goons.” The protesters were vocal in their opposition, stating that any effort to bring Hasina back would have severe consequences.
In response to the Home Affairs Advisor’s remarks, students demanded that a legal case be filed against Sheikh Hasina for the killing of innocent protesters during her 16-year regime in the International Criminal Court (ICC). They argued that the memories of the atrocities committed under her government are still fresh in the minds of the people, and that justice must be served for the victims of her regime’s violent crackdowns.
The situation remains tense as the public sentiment against Sheikh Hasina continues to grow, fueled by the perception that her return could reignite political instability and unrest in the country.
The Home Affairs Advisor, addressed to the Awami League, emphasizes the importance of reorganizing the party rather than focusing on rallies or confrontations. He suggested that the public has not yet fully accepted the party and advised the Awami League to focus on rebuilding itself as a strong political entity, ready to compete in elections when the time comes.
He acknowledged the significant contributions of the Awami League to Bangladesh but cautioned against any actions that might endanger the party’s future. He also highlighted the need for the party to reconnect with its roots and prepare for future political challenges, ensuring that it remains a central force in the country’s politics.
The advisor further warned against instigating violence, pointing out the tragic loss of lives on both sides in recent conflicts and the damage to the police force. He urged the party to avoid further escalation, emphasizing the importance of keeping the country stable and avoiding unnecessary bloodshed.
Moreover, he called for the surrender of illegal firearms found in civilian hands within seven days, warning of serious legal consequences if the weapons are not handed over. He expressed a commitment to investigating how these arms ended up in civilian possession and stressed the need for international assistance if necessary.
In his remarks, he also addressed the recent exile of Sheikh Hasina, urging her to return to the country, as she still holds citizenship and has the right to come back. He advised against any actions that could provoke public anger, drawing parallels to the survival of other political parties after their leaders faced legal challenges.
Finally, Sakhawat Hossain called on all political parties, including the Awami League, to prevent the country from descending into chaos, urging them to rebuild with new leadership and commitments.
