No plan to leave Bangladesh after election: Press Secretary

Interim government Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said he will remain in the country after the election. “Like Hasina, I have not done anything that would require me to take a safe exit. I am a son of this country and will stay here. Whether I do journalism or take a job will be seen later. I will work wherever Allah has provided my livelihood,” he said.

He made the remarks on Friday afternoon after visiting the Gorpara Imam Bari Mazhar in Manikganj Sadar upazila while responding to questions from journalists.

Shafiqul Alam said over 60 attacks have occurred at various mazars, all of which have legal cases registered. Law enforcement has also taken measures in each incident. He described the attack on supporters of Baul artist Abul Sarkar as unfortunate. He said Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony, and everyone should maintain it. Differences of opinion will always exist, but mutual relationships must be preserved to prevent such incidents in the future.

Regarding the upcoming February 12 election, he said voters from the Baul community, regardless of religion—Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Christian or even those with no faith—will participate. “We will all vote together,” he added.

On the national referendum, Shafiqul Alam said the decision to hold it came after nine months of discussions with all political parties under the National Reform Commission. He said the discussions highlight the importance of a “yes” vote, which will ensure no return of authoritarianism, misrule or financial exploitation in the country.

Present at the Imam Bari were sports journalist Arifur Rahman Babu, other members of the Imam Bari, and law enforcement officials.