Shafiqul Alam, the press secretary to the interim government's chief advisor, threw dirt into a dustbin with a picture of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina installed at the Bangla Academy on the first day of the book fair. Later, when he posted the picture on Facebook, it sparked a lot of discussion. Finally, Shafiqul Alam posted a status on the social media Facebook regarding the matter on Sunday (February 3) night.
There he said, "I am sorry that the Awami League troll army has targeted you for the photo I shared. You can unfriend me, or best of all, block me."
Shafiqul Alam explained his position on the issue on his verified Facebook account on Sunday (February 2). He said, "There was a lot of commotion surrounding my Facebook post about the Ekushey Book Fair yesterday. I think I should give a clear statement on this issue."
He wrote, "The interim government is only neutral towards its partners. We consider the students and those political parties who played a role in restoring our stolen democracy, not just in the July coup, but over the years, as partners in the government."
The press secretary also referred to ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as a "butcher." He wrote, "One of the main responsibilities of the interim government is to prosecute those who killed protesters during the July uprising. Our job is to bring the butcher Sheikh Hasina back to Dhaka and prosecute her for crimes against humanity."
He further wrote, "To all my relatives and friends who have become targets of the Awami League troll army, I express my deepest condolences to you. I left my comfortable, lucrative job only to fulfill an important responsibility in the interim government. I am sorry that the Awami League troll army has targeted you for the photo I shared. You can unfriend me, or best of all, block me."
At the same time, thank you for your patience. I know what I'm doing. I'm ready to accept the consequences of my actions.