Will go through Hasina’s interview first, then comment, says Shafiqul

The Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, Shafiqul Alam, has stated that the interim government will first read ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent interview with Reuters before issuing any official comment.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the Foreign Service Academy on Bailey Road in Dhaka on Wednesday, Alam responded to media queries about the interview by saying, “We will read her interview carefully, and only then will we be in a position to comment.”

He added that the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) would be the appropriate body to address matters raised in the interview concerning alleged human rights violations.

Alam reiterated longstanding allegations against Sheikh Hasina, referencing a United Nations report that, he claimed, “clearly states that no one has committed graver human rights violations in the 21st century than her.” He also cited international media coverage—including a one-hour Al Jazeera programme and an upcoming BBC report—in which, he alleged, audio evidence exists of her “ordering killings.”

“We urge those interviewing Sheikh Hasina not to overlook this context,” Alam said. “We are closely watching to ensure her statements are not presented out of context.”

The Press Secretary further accused the Awami League of misusing public funds to finance international legal and media campaigns. Referring to recent coverage of the party’s activities at the International Criminal Court (ICC), he said, “Yesterday, a local news outlet reported on the Awami League’s lobbying efforts in The Hague—but made no mention of the severe human rights abuses attributed to her. That is deeply regrettable.”

He alleged that Awami League leaders had “stolen public money” to hire “the most expensive law firm in the UK” and were using those funds to promote a distorted narrative abroad. “They are spending our stolen money to whitewash their actions,” he claimed.