Ambassador Mushfiqul likens fallen Hasina with Italian dictator Mussolini

Bangladesh Ambassador to Mexico Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey has said the regime of the "fallen dictator" Sheikh Hasina was a carbon copy of the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, noting that the fugitives are weaving a web of conspiracy which must be thwarted by strengthening unity.

Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion marking the anniversary of the historic July-August Uprising, the ambassador described the fallen regime as a “carbon copy” of Mussolini’s, marked by repression, intolerance, and systemic dismantling of democratic institutions.

The event, titled “July Uprising and the Journey of Democracy,” was organised by the Bangladesh Embassy in Mexico on July 31 to commemorate the uprising and reflect on the country’s democratic journey.

“Just as a sycophantic class emerged around Mussolini, a similar flattering atmosphere surrounded Sheikh Hasina, where no dissent was tolerated,” said Mushfiqul.

Like Mussolini’s Black Shirt force, he said, the Chhatra League was turned into a ‘helmet force’ to suppress opposition.

"No one was safe—students, journalists, politicians, and even ordinary citizens faced repression," he said.

He emphasised that democratic institutions in Bangladesh had been systematically eroded, and the basic right to free expression was denied under the previous regime.

“Many believed that Bangladesh would never be free again,” Ambassador Mushfiqul said.

But that belief was proven wrong by the students, youth, working people, and progressive political parties who rose in resistance. Democracy was restored through their collective struggle, he said.

Mushfiqul paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the movement, noting that nearly 2,000 people were martyred. “Their sacrifices must not go in vain. Justice must be served for the atrocities committed.”

He said the interim government inherited a state in disarray with a politicised bureaucracy, depleted foreign exchange reserves, and widespread public distrust in national institutions.

“All-out reforms are essential now, particularly in the civil administration, which has glorified dictatorship for the past 15 years,” he said.

The ambassador also warned that conspiracies against democracy were still underway.

"Those who conspired before have not stopped. They thrive on division. This is the time to stay united and not let differences of opinion turn into hatred," he said.

Reaffirming the government’s zero-tolerance policy on human trafficking, Ambassador Mushfiqul emphasised the importance of safe, legal immigration channels and pledged firm action against traffickers.

He invited attendees to join upcoming events and a photo exhibition being organised to mark the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-Mexico diplomatic relations.

The programme began with a moment of silence in memory of the July martyrs, followed by a documentary screening and a photo exhibition on the July Uprising.

There were performances of patriotic songs, with participation from members of the Bangladeshi expatriate community in Mexico.