On the first day of the Ekushey Book Fair, Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, representing the interim government’s chief advisor, threw garbage into a trash bin with a graffiti of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the Bangla Academy. He later shared the image on Facebook, which sparked widespread discussion and controversy.
On February 2, Alam responded to the situation on his verified Facebook account. He explained that the interim government remains neutral towards its partners, including political parties and students who helped restore democracy over the years. Alam referred to Sheikh Hasina as a "butcher" and highlighted the government’s responsibility to prosecute those who killed protesters during the July coup, with the aim of bringing Hasina to trial for crimes against humanity.
He questioned the definitions of taste and decency, asserting that Hasina is one of the world’s most brutal and corrupt dictators. Alam stressed that in a democracy, it’s important to be able to speak out against leaders like Hasina. He also expressed regret to his friends and relatives who became targets of the Awami League troll army because of his post, offering apologies for any distress caused. Alam concluded by saying he was ready to accept the consequences of his actions.
