The Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, Shafiqul Alam, has revealed that his family members are deeply concerned about his personal security, particularly in the lead-up to the forthcoming election, even though he himself refuses to be intimidated. He made the remarks in a reflective and emotionally charged post published on his verified Facebook account on Saturday, 13 December.
In the post, Shafiqul Alam acknowledged the anxiety felt by those closest to him. “My wife, my children, and my brothers and sisters are deeply worried about my safety,” he wrote. “Ahead of the election, they have urged me to be more cautious. They are afraid. But, truthfully speaking, I am not.” His words struck a resolute tone, underscoring a personal conviction that contrasts sharply with the fears of his family.
Marking 16 months since assuming his current responsibilities, Shafiqul Alam admitted that he had not initially felt emotionally prepared to write. However, a brutal shooting incident the previous day compelled him to speak out. He noted that since that incident, a young man named Osman Hadi had occupied his thoughts and prayers, symbolising the countless ordinary citizens affected by political violence.
Reflecting on his travels across Bangladesh, he wrote that wherever he goes, he sees “millions of Hadis” — a metaphor for the resilient and fearless youth of the country. He criticised what he described as violent figures of the past, stating, “How many more people can the butchers of Bengal kill?” He argued that the reins of the nation’s politics have now passed into the hands of a new generation. According to him, this generation has already succeeded in overthrowing one autocratic force, though its mission remains unfinished.
Shafiqul Alam expressed unwavering faith in the courage of this generation. As long as millions of young people refuse to abandon their positions, he said, there is no reason for fear or despair. He recalled the poignant example of a young martyr who wrote a heart-wrenching letter to his mother before his death, noting that today’s youth have made a solemn promise to their families: they will not stop until the country is set on the right path.
Looking ahead, he voiced strong optimism about Bangladesh’s future. While acknowledging that challenges and shocks lie ahead — including attempts by powerful domestic and foreign forces to derail progress — he insisted that the younger generation will not be frightened into submission. “They will reach their destination,” he wrote with confidence.
He concluded by remembering those lost in recent months — naming several individuals who, he said, were killed in the long struggle against an imposed autocracy. Despite these losses, he emphasised that countless fearless young men and women remain. “They are not afraid,” he declared. “And neither am I.”