Hasan Mahmud Faces Criticism from German Awami League Leaders

Hasan Mahmud, the joint general secretary of Bangladesh Awami League and former foreign minister, came under heavy criticism from the leaders and workers of the German Awami League during a teleconference organized by the German chapter of the party. Although Mahmud resides in Belgium, he traveled to Germany to attend the event.

The event was organized by the German Awami League in Cologne, Germany, to mark the 54th Victory Day of Bangladesh and to protest against the oppression and torture faced by Awami League leaders and activists in Bangladesh. During the teleconference, Awami League President Sheikh Hasina delivered a 40-minute speech, urging the leaders and activists to stand against the oppression and human rights violations occurring in Bangladesh.

However, during the event, Hasan Mahmud found himself at the center of intense criticism from German Awami League leaders. Around 10-12 party workers directly blamed him for the current distress and corruption within the party. They accused him of being responsible for the suffering of Awami League activists in Bangladesh, claiming that many party members were living under constant threat due to the corruption within the party.

The agitated activists expressed their anger, stating:
“Your greed and corruption are the reasons why Awami League workers in Bangladesh are living miserable lives, under constant threat. You have shown no concern for the injured or killed activists. You have admitted anyone into the party at your will. The party is in shambles due to your corruption.”

Despite the strong allegations, Hasan Mahmud did not respond to the accusations. The situation was brought under control by the President of the German Awami League, Mizanur Rahman, who escorted Mahmud away from the irate workers and seated him at the special guests’ table. For the remainder of the event, Mahmud quietly listened to Sheikh Hasina’s address from his seat.

After the event, it was reported that Hasan Mahmud silently left the venue with Mizanur Rahman, shaking hands with him on their way out.

Among the leaders who have faced dissatisfaction from other Awami League members, Hasan Mahmud is notable. While in Belgium, Mahmud attempted to contact Sheikh Hasina, but reports suggest that she refused to speak with him. It was also rumored that Mahmud had sought permission to meet Hasina in Delhi but was denied.

After the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, Mahmud initially sought refuge in a cantonment area. Later, after the situation calmed, he managed to secure a way out of Bangladesh through the Dhaka airport, with assistance from security forces. The last public appearance of Hasan Mahmud was in November during an interview on an online TV channel in London.