Sheikh Hasina's announcement to return to the country is political speculation: Ishraq Hossain
Minister of State for Liberation War Ishrak Hossain has commented on the announcement of Sheikh Hasina's return to the country in December as political speculation. He claims, in fact, there is no preparation to return to the country; Rather, such statements are being made to keep the party leaders and workers energized. At the same time, he said, after the July massacre, the Awami League has faced a final defeat politically, socially and morally, and the party has no chance of rehabilitation in politics.
He said these things in his speech as the chief guest at the Shadow Parliament debate competition titled 'Awami League's social defeat is greater than the political defeat of Awami League due to the July killings' organized at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (FDC) premises in the capital on Saturday (August 1). Chairman of Debate for Democracy Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiran presided over the event. The competition is organized by Debate for Democracy.
In his speech, Ishraq Hossain said that the ongoing discussion of Sheikh Hasina's return to the country in December is not realistic. According to him, such declaration is basically a political strategy to maintain the morale of party workers.
He also said that Awami League has suffered a political, social and moral defeat due to the July massacre. He also alleged that the party had moved towards a fascist regime instead of democratic politics.
Regarding the political strategy of Awami League, the state minister said that the party has used the spirit of liberation war politically for a long time and tried to stay in power through individual-centric politics. As a result, he commented that the acceptance of the party in the international environment has also decreased.
Ishraq Hossain claimed that after August 5, many leaders and workers of Awami League are not in public, but their supporters and associates are still active in various important fields including administration, business and cultural arena. Therefore, he also warned that there may be a risk of resurgence of Awami League in the future if there is a rift between the political forces in favor of the people's coup.
He said, because of the July massacre, Awami League has no chance of rehabilitation in politics. He alleged that the influential family members of Awami League left the country before the July coup and showed cowardly behavior.
The state minister also said that it is important to maintain the unity of anti-fascist political forces to sustain democracy and uphold the spirit of July. He emphasized on staying united for the greater good despite differences.
Debaters from Bangladesh University of Business and Technology (BUBT) won the event's debate competition defeating the Gana University team.
Professor Abu Muhammad Raees, Dr. served as the judge in the competition. SM Morshed, journalist Arifuzzaman Mamun, journalist Maidur Rahman Rubel and journalist Zakir Hossain Liton. At the end of the ceremony, trophies, crests and certificates were handed over to the winners and participating team members.
