A fresh political debate has emerged following discussions that Bangladesh Awami League President Sheikh Hasina may return to the country this December. Veteran investigative journalist Mohammad Shariful Alam Chowdhury has sharply criticized Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram over his recent remarks regarding Sheikh Hasina’s possible return.
Speaking at a reception held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center on Wednesday (August 5), Hafiz Uddin Ahmed criticized the Awami League’s past activities and stated, “Inshallah, we will meet on the streets,” referring to Sheikh Hasina’s potential return.
Reacting to the statement, journalist Mohammad Shariful Alam Chowdhury said Sheikh Hasina “did not flee the country.” He claimed that she had been taken to India aboard a special state aircraft for security reasons and further alleged that the state has never publicly produced any official resignation letter from her as Prime Minister.
Chowdhury also criticized Hafiz Uddin Ahmed’s political past, alleging that during the military-backed caretaker government of 2007, Hafiz split the BNP and assumed a separate leadership role. According to him, the then Election Commission and administration recognized Hafiz as BNP chairman, and appointing him later as Speaker and Acting President reflects the political weakness of the current leadership.
The veteran journalist further claimed that successive administrations—from the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus to the current government—had failed to bring Sheikh Hasina back to Bangladesh despite various international efforts. He alleged that now, with reports suggesting Sheikh Hasina may voluntarily return, the government has become fearful and has intensified propaganda and misinformation campaigns.
He also alleged that the country’s law and order situation has deteriorated significantly and expressed concern over public security.
No immediate official response was available from the government or other relevant authorities regarding the allegations and comments made by Mohammad Shariful Alam Chowdhury.
