Information Adviser Mahfuj Alam has publicly apologized for his past “divisive” comments and choice of words.
On Thursday, May 22, he issued a statement on his verified Facebook page titled “The Nation is Greater than Individual Ideals, Honor, or Emotion,” expressing regret for any previous remarks that may have contributed to division. “Unity among patriotic forces is essential,” he wrote. “I sincerely apologize for any past statements or language that may have been divisive. Even if I remain in government for just one more day, I intend to work with respect and sensitivity toward all factions of the uprising.”
Mahfuj further stated that slogans and labels from the old order, which dehumanized large sections of the population, must be abandoned to build a truly democratic and inclusive future state.
He emphasized that Bangladesh faces threats from both internal and external enemies, and that the patriotic citizens who stood united during the July uprising must now undergo a test of unity and patience — one they must pass.
However, Mahfuj did not specify which statement he was apologizing for.
Political observers believe his regret may be linked to a controversial Facebook post made on May 10, where he made strong remarks about the legacy of the 1971 Liberation War and political accountability.
In that post titled “Two Words,” he demanded public apologies from collaborators of wartime atrocities, asserting that no one should support Pakistan’s narrative or deny the genocide it committed in Bangladesh.
He warned against attempts to justify the genocide and accused some factions of infiltrating the July movement to create confusion and internal sabotage, urging an immediate stop to such efforts.
Following that post, tensions reportedly rose between Mahfuj and leaders from Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir, particularly those aligned with the National Citizens` Party (NCP). Critics within the NCP openly voiced their disapproval online, and the party`s participation in recent joint activities appeared limited.
