Mahfuj Alam, former Information and Broadcasting Adviser to the interim government, has launched a scathing attack on contemporary political developments, accusing major players of engaging in “seat-sharing” (Batwara) and “theatrics of opposition.”
In a recent Facebook post that has quickly gone viral, Mahfuj Alam—often referred to as a “brain” behind the 2024 mass uprising—expressed deep disillusionment with the current political trajectory following the 2026 general elections. He suggested that the true struggle of the people is being undermined by a “PR campaign and media manipulation.”
‘The People vs. The Manipulators’
Mahfuj Alam, who resigned from his advisory role in December 2025 ahead of the polls, characterized the current situation as a divide between the “manipulators” and the general public.
“Stop the drama of opposition after accepting the seat-sharing election. The manipulators who shared [the seats] and those who accepted it are on one side, and the people are on the other,” the former adviser wrote.
His remarks appear to target the recent electoral arrangements and the subsequent political positioning of major parties and alliances. The 2026 elections saw a bipolar contest primarily between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and an 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP).
Grief for the Student Movement
The most poignant part of his statement focused on the student community, who spearheaded the July Revolution that ended the 15-year rule of the Awami League. Mahfuj Alam expressed profound sadness over how the students’ sacrifices were being handled.
“I feel sad for the students. How cheaply they were sold out!” he lamented, hinting at a betrayal of the original spirit of the “July Charter” and the reforms the youth-led movement had demanded.
Warning Against Media Manipulation
Mahfuj Alam also warned that the “just struggle” of the people is at risk of being swallowed by sophisticated public relations and media control. He concluded his post with a prayer for the nation, saying, “May Allah protect the people of this country.”
As a former Information Adviser, Mahfuj Alam has previously spoken about his struggles against “media oligarchs” and “capitalists” during his tenure, claiming he was often prevented from establishing a “new media” order.
This latest outburst highlights the growing rift between the original leadership of the student uprising and the established political forces currently taking the reins of the country.
