Brigadier General (retd.) Dr. Brigadier General (retd.) the interim government of Bangladesh in the conference titled 'Bangladesh: Democracy and Human Rights Crisis' held in the House of Lords of the United Kingdom. M Sakhawat Hussain's explosive comments have given rise to extensive discussions and debates. He said, if Sheikh Hasina had not left the country, the violence would have been worse, which would not have been good for the country.
Dr. In his speech, Sakhawat referred to the suppression of opposition, human rights violations and mass discontent against the Awami League government during Sheikh Hasina's long rule. According to him, Hasina's exodus saved the country from further violence.
An organization called Voice for Bangladesh organized this conference. It was presided over by Alexander Charles Carlyle, a member of the House of Lords of the United Kingdom. British Minister Paul Scully and international human rights activists also took part in the discussions moderated by Ataullah Farooq, the founder of the organization.
Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain said that if Sheikh Hasina had not left the country on August 5, the situation could have been worse. 'An angry crowd could have torn him to pieces, which would not have been good for the country.'
His comments have created mixed reactions in Bangladesh and the international arena. Supporters see it as an accurate depiction of the real situation, but opponents call the comments controversial and unintended.
M Sakhawat Hossain said that the current interim government is planning to organize fair elections in the middle of 2026 through reform activities. International cooperation is crucial for these elections.
Former British Minister Paul Scully and Lord Hossain expressed concern about the human rights situation in Bangladesh. They said that the active role of the international community is essential to improve the democratic and human rights situation of Bangladesh.
Conference president Lord Alexander Charles Carlyle QC said the UK would support the interim government to reform and re-establish democratic processes. International cooperation is necessary for the development and protection of democracy in Bangladesh.
The conference served as an important platform for international perspectives and solution-oriented discussions on the current political and human rights situation in Bangladesh.
