Mahfuj Alam, Adviser to the Bangladesh Government on Information, on Thursday (May 22) issued a public apology for what he described as past “divisive” remarks, amid mounting political pressure and calls for his resignation from opposition figures.

In a Facebook post published at 4:58 pm, the adviser wrote: “If I remain in government even for a single day more, I wish to work with respect and sensitivity toward all forces involved in the uprising.”

His statement comes in the wake of criticism from BNP leader Ishraque Hossain and his supporters, who have demanded that Alam step down, accusing him of alienating sections of the population through polarising rhetoric.

“Unity among patriotic forces is essential,” Alam stated in his post. “The country is greater than any individual ideal, honour, or emotion.”

He acknowledged that previous political slogans and labels had created division, saying: “I believe the future state can be democratic and inclusive only if we discard the old divisive slogans and labeling that have made large portions of our population expendable.”

Alam also warned that the country’s sovereignty and democratic institutions are under threat, pointing to what he described as a united and aggressive front of “Bangladesh’s enemies.”

“The patriotic people who stood united during the July uprising now face a long test—a test of unity and patience. We must overcome this test,” he added.

SMS/