Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has defended the interim government’s record in an interview with Al Jazeera ahead of Bangladesh’s national election. He said the government remained in control despite recent political tensions and incidents of violence.
Addressing attacks on media outlets, Alam acknowledged that mobs had targeted offices and said security forces had been sent to the scene. He said investigations were underway to determine why authorities failed to prevent the attacks, while noting that several dozen people had been arrested.
Alam rejected allegations that the government had allowed the violence to happen and also disputed criticism from a UN special rapporteur regarding accountability. He pointed to crime statistics as evidence for the government’s position.
He also defended the government’s decision regarding the Awami League and discussed relations with India, including the extradition of Sheikh Hasina.
Praising Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, Alam said the administration had restored economic stability, improved law and order and brought back peace. He concluded that the government’s record would ultimately speak for itself.
