In a sharp critique of the Awami League, Home Affairs Adviser Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain has called for a significant overhaul of the party’s leadership.
During a visit to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) on Monday, where he met with Ansar members injured in recent student protests, the Home Adviser urged the party to reassess its approach and structure.
The adviser said: "Let the people gather, and whatever they do, I request you not to take action that endangers your (Awami League) lives."
He expressed skepticism about the current public acceptance of the party, suggesting that reorganization is necessary for the Awami League to remain relevant in the political landscape.
Acknowledging the Awami League’s historical contributions to Bangladesh, Hossain said: "We cannot deny this."
However, he emphasized the need for the party to reform in order to effectively contest future elections.
"Reorganise the party. When it is structured like a political party, it will be able to contest the election properly. If the people vote, they will go to the polls," he added.
"Will you (Awami League) hand over this country to someone else?" Hossain asked. "We fought the Liberation War and lost three million lives. Are you now ready to hand over the country to another person? The people of this country have not forgotten these sacrifices easily. The leaders who once held power are now fleeing, and many who were rescued by others remain unaccounted for."
He underscored the gravity of the situation, warning against further escalation.
"We don't want more people to die here," he said. "Already, more than five hundred lives have been lost on both sides. If we provoke the situation further, survival will be at risk."
He also emphasised the necessity of restraint, noting that efforts have been made to convince the army to maintain order.
"Who will you kill?" the adviser questioned. "Your own child was killed by the police. What can a policeman say when asked how many bullets it takes, especially when his own son is dead? Please, do not be tempted into further violence. You must not destroy such a great political party (AL) for personal gain. The Awami League is our pride; you have no right to tarnish it."
During the briefing, the adviser highlighted the immense human cost associated with revolutions, asserting that any attempt at a counter-revolution would require the blood of thousands.
"If someone thinks they can initiate a counter-revolution, they should be aware that it requires the blood of thousands to sustain such an upheaval. If you are willing to bear that responsibility, then I have nothing to add." His comments reflect a strong stance against further violence and upheaval,” he said.
The Home Adviser also acknowledged the significant role played by the younger generation in the current political climate. "The youth of this country have already made their revolution," he stated. "They have given their lives, standing bravely in the face of adversity and police action. They have no regrets and are prepared to confront any attempts to undermine their efforts."
He concluded with an urgent plea for peace. "I request everyone to keep the country free from further conflict," Hossain urged. "Respect the sacrifices made by youth and work towards preserving the nation’s stability."
Rifles must be returned by next Monday
M Sakhawat Hossain has declared a seven-day deadline for the surrender of unauthorised firearms, specifically 7.62 mm rifles, which are banned for civilian use.
The adviser announced that these prohibited weapons have been discovered in civilian possession, a breach of regulations intended to restrict such firearms to authorised police and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) units only.
"These rifles should not be in the hands of civilians," he said. "We need to understand how these weapons came into unauthorised possession."
"Individuals found with these banned firearms are required to turn them in to the nearest police station within the next seven days. Failure to comply will result in two separate charges: one for illegal possession and another for holding a government-prohibited weapon," according to the adviser.
Additionally, those responsible could face international legal scrutiny to trace the origins of these firearms, he added.
"The deadline for returning the rifles is next Monday," Hossain emphasised. "If the firearms are not voluntarily surrendered, we will initiate further measures to recover them. Submissions can be made through intermediaries if necessary."
The adviser also said that the situation might prompt international involvement to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.
"We may seek international assistance to understand why this situation arose in Bangladesh," he said. "Further details on the decisions and directives will be provided in the next meeting."
Media freedom clarification
Regarding media freedom, the Home Adviser clarified his stance, apologising for any previous remarks made in frustration.
"I am not in favour of shutting down media outlets," he said. "My earlier comments were made in anger, and I regret them. It is not my role to censor the media."
The adviser also defended the police force, acknowledging their challenges.
"Not all policemen are bad," he said. "They have come to realise their mistakes and are working to rectify them. They were not acting out of choice but were compelled to do so."
Stoking chaos will only fuel public anger
The adviser warned against further escalation of unrest, emphasising that such actions will not be beneficial and will only provoke additional public anger.
"It will do no good to create chaos," he asserted. "People will get angry again if the situation deteriorates further."
The Home Adviser made these comments while meeting a delegation representing religious minorities at the Secretariat on Monday to address various issues concerning minority communities.
During a subsequent press briefing, Hossain shared his thoughts on the recently deposed Awami League, urging the party to consider a complete overhaul with new leadership and promises.
"The Awami League is a major political party with many capable leaders," Hossain remarked. "Historically, it represented the middle class and played a crucial role in our liberation struggle under the leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. It is disheartening to see such a significant party falter and retreat."
Hossain advised the Awami League to reorganise under fresh leadership, saying: "No one has banned your party. Banning a party is a negative practice. Instead, focus on rejuvenating the organisation with new faces and commitments."
Addressing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who recently resigned amidst political unrest, Hossain commented: "You have served as Prime Minister for 21 years and left of your own accord. We respect your decision, but continual disruptions will only incite further public frustration. If you choose to return, do so with a positive approach."
Drawing a parallel with the Jatiya Party, Hossain noted: "The party survived because HM Ershad went to jail. This example underscores the importance of accountability and adaptation in political survival."
Hossain also highlighted the need for political parties to address conflicts and attacks on minorities. "You must resolve these issues in your constituencies," he advised. "I am not a newcomer to these matters and will ensure that elections in contentious areas proceed fairly."
He concluded with a plea to avoid pushing the country toward anarchy, offering support for the Awami League’s reformation. "Form your party with new leadership and new commitments," Hossain urged. "The Ministry of Home Affairs is ready to assist in ensuring that the political process remains within legal bounds."