Ex-army officer Hasan Sarwardy joins LDP with 500 others

Former army officer Lieutenant General (retd) Chowdhury Hasan Sarwardy today (19 April) joined the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), marking the beginning of his political journey.

Sarwardy, along with over 500 retired military and civil officials, formally joined the party by presenting a bouquet to LDP chief Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmed, Bir Bikrom, at a programme held at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh.

Oli Ahmed welcomed Sarwardy and others to the party and urged them to work towards further strengthening the LDP. "The inclusion of Hasan Sarwardy and others has strengthened the party. "I congratulate them on joining the LDP."

In his remarks, Hasan Sarwardy expressed his commitment to building a prosperous and exploitation-free Bangladesh. 

"By joining the LDP, I believe I will be able to contribute to the creation of a truly happy and prosperous Bangladesh," he said.

Born in Chattogram, Sarwardy previously held several key positions in the Bangladesh Army, including Commandant of the National Defence College, GOC of the Army Training and Doctrine Command, GOC of the 9th Infantry Division and Director at the Directorate of Military Intelligence.

'Reform Drama'

Speaking at the event, Oli Ahmed criticised the interim government, accusing it of "staging a drama" of reform without political consensus.

He said there would be no point in staging such reform efforts unless all political parties reach an agreement.

"I urge the government to announce the election schedule in due time. Otherwise, they too will have to flee like the Awami League," the LDP chief warned.

He said the interim government has failed to demonstrate efficiency, sincerity, or experience. "You (govt) have been in power for almost nine months. It appears that you are enjoying the benefits of power, but there has been no visible and meaningful initiative to address the public's problems."

Oli noted that numerous cases had been filed against the 'goons' of the Awami autocrats following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina regime on August 5.

"Despite public complaints, the Home Ministry has yet to submit a single chargesheet against those thugs after a proper investigation," he said.

Oli also said no democratic party or individual should act as a broker for India or take responsibility for rehabilitating the Awami League. "I want to issue a warning and caution that the country is heading towards bloodshed."

He urged the interim government to take the right steps to ensure peace and stability for the people. "Let the people live in peace. Sweet words and speeches will not solve their problems."