Former adviser to the interim government, retired Brigadier General M Sakhawat Hossain, has described the government’s failure to prevent mob violence and the demolition of the historic House No. 32 in Dhanmondi as one of its major shortcomings. He strongly criticized the destruction of properties and what he termed attempts to erase symbols of the Liberation War.
He made the remarks in a recent episode of the talk show “Kathopakathan” aired on Manchitra TV, during a conversation with journalist Manzurul Alam Panna.
Responding to questions about the government’s performance and its controversial decisions, Sakhawat Hossain candidly acknowledged the administration’s failures.
Referring to the vandalism of Bangabandhu Bhaban at Dhanmondi 32 and arson attacks on media outlets such as The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, he said, “These were failures. When I was part of the cabinet, collective responsibility applies. However, wherever these incidents occurred, I personally never supported them and still do not.”
On the issue of mob violence, he also criticized alleged provocative remarks by some top officials, including statements such as “there will be celebration today.” He said, “If any adviser made such comments, that was inappropriate. By inciting or supporting mob violence, did they not consider that this could become a culture, and that others would eventually suffer the consequences?”
The former military officer expressed strong resentment over the vandalism of Liberation War memorials, sculptures and museums. “These are extremely condemnable acts. Without the Liberation War, this country would not exist. And without this country, none of us would be where we are today. Even the July uprising was made possible because of the Liberation War. Any attempt to deny it or destroy its symbols cannot be accepted,” he said.
Addressing attacks on police and Ansar members during and after the student-led uprising, Sakhawat Hossain noted that between August 5 and 8 the country was effectively without a functioning government or administration. The departure of officials from the previous administration created a chaotic situation, he said, which led to widespread disorder.
However, he added that had he been in charge of the Home Ministry, he would have ensured proper investigations into those involved in mob violence and acts of destruction.
Expressing concern over the country’s deepening political and social divisions, he said, “The divisions created over the past 17 years were not healed in the last year and a half. Rather, the fragmentation has intensified and become more visible.”
Despite the challenges, Sakhawat Hossain expressed hope that the prevailing divisions would gradually subside and that the country would return to a stable and reconciliatory environment.
