Former foreign minister and Awami League joint general secretary Hasan Mahmud has drawn criticism after attending a barbecue gathering in Hasselt, Belgium, on 21 August, a date observed by the Awami League as one of the most solemn days in its political history.
The gathering has attracted discussion on social media because it took place on the 22nd anniversary of the 2004 grenade attack on an Awami League rally in Dhaka. The attack, which occurred on 21 August 2004 at Bangabandhu Avenue, killed 24 party activists and injured hundreds of others. Sheikh Hasina, then the leader of the opposition, was also injured in the attack.
Hasan Mahmud himself was among those wounded. Over the years, he has repeatedly spoken about the attack and described his experience of being injured as a significant episode in his political career. The incident has remained deeply embedded in the Awami League’s political narrative, with the party traditionally organising commemorative programmes, prayer gatherings and discussions on the anniversary.
Against that backdrop, his participation in a barbecue event in Belgium has prompted questions and criticism among sections of the party’s supporters. According to people familiar with the gathering, the event was organised at the home of an acquaintance in Hasselt. Grilled meat, sausages and other food were served, while several people, including Hasan Mahmud, attended.
Some members of the Belgium Awami League were reportedly invited to the gathering. However, sources claimed that most of those invited did not attend, leaving the presence of local party activists limited. The reported decision by many members to stay away has also become part of the discussion surrounding the event.
Hasan Mahmud has remained outside Bangladesh for an extended period since the Awami League government was removed from power on 5 August 2024. He has reportedly been staying in Belgium, while people familiar with his movements have said that he may travel to Canada for a visit of around 10 days.
For the Awami League, 21 August carries particular political and emotional significance. The annual observance is centred on remembrance of those killed and injured in the 2004 attack. This year, the reported barbecue gathering involving one of the party’s prominent figures has therefore generated renewed debate, particularly because of his personal history with the attack and the symbolic importance attached to the anniversary.
