Interim govt holding Bangladesh hostage: Ex-Sylhet mayor, who’s in hiding, says on FB

The Interim government is holding Bangladesh hostage, former Sylhet City Mayor Md Anwaruzzaman Chowdhury, who has been in hiding since the fall of the Awami League-led government, alleged today (24 August) during a live session in Facebook.

“The current government does not believe in democracy,” he said in his 18-minute live session from an undisclosed location.

Criticising the current interim government for various issues, he claimed that attacks on Awami League leaders’ homes across the country were unprecedented.

“Leaders and police have been killed, and teachers have been humiliated. Justice for these atrocities would eventually be served in Bangladesh.”

Anwaruzzaman went on to falsely allege that Sheikh Hasina is still the prime minister and has not resigned despite the former premier herself acknowledging that she resigned as reported by the Economic Times earlier this month.

“Sheikh Hasina would return to Bangladesh soon,” he also claimed.

Anwaruzzaman also condemned the politics of murder and called for resistance against the injustices being perpetrated.

He expressed confidence that the Awami League would eventually recover and emphasised the need to start protesting against the wrongs and abuses occurring.

On 5 August, Sheikh Hasina resigned from her position and left the country amid mass uprising. Since then, Anwaruzzaman has been in hiding.

On 19 August, mayors of 12 city corporations, including Sylhet, were removed and replaced with administrators appointed by the Local Government Division.

The Sylhet divisional commissioner is currently serving as the administrator of Sylhet City Corporation in place of Anwaruzzaman.

According to sources, on 5 August, Anwaruzzaman sought refuge with the Army. A few days ago, he reportedly crossed into India through the Tamabil border and then moved to the United Kingdom.