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MUNSHIGANJ: National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam has accused the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of plotting to install its own preferred candidate as chief adviser of a caretaker government, warning that such a move could undermine the fairness of the next general election.
He urged the BNP to abandon the alleged plan and implement a caretaker government formula based on the ranked-choice system proposed by his party.
Nahid made the remarks at a meeting organised by the NCP’s Munshiganj unit at a party centre in the district town around 11:30am on Monday, according to a party statement.
He alleged that the BNP had previously attempted to influence the formation of a caretaker government in 2006 by seeking to place its preferred person in a key position.
“Once again, they are manoeuvring to find a way to make their own person the chief adviser of the caretaker government. This clearly indicates that the BNP will not allow the next election to be held fairly,” he said.
“We are making it clear that they must abandon this plan. The caretaker government formula must be implemented based on the ranked-choice system we proposed,” he added.
Nahid also expressed doubt that ousted prime minister and banned Awami League president Sheikh Hasina would return to Bangladesh in December.
He said the activities surrounding claims of her possible return should not be viewed solely as her personal initiative but also as a diplomatic effort. He alleged that India was using the banned party to exert pressure on Bangladesh from multiple directions.
On constitutional reform, Nahid argued that fundamental changes to the Constitution required a Constituent Assembly or a Constitution Reform Council, rather than amendments alone.
He said a Constitution Reform Council should have been formed in line with the referendum verdict but accused the BNP of instead establishing a committee to amend the Constitution through a one-sided process.
Nahid further alleged that the BNP had already violated several key pledges in its 31-point election manifesto and important commitments under the July Charter.
He also questioned whether fair local government elections could be held under the BNP-led government.
The NCP was preparing for the local government polls, he said, but expressed concern over what he described as the BNP’s growing influence over the Election Commission and the announcement of candidates by the state minister for local government.
“We will not accept any form of election engineering in the local government polls. If such a plan exists, the BNP will not be able to complete its five-year term,” he warned.
Allegations of Arrests Over Government Criticism
Nahid accused the government of suppressing opposition voices and said around 22 people had been arrested across the country for expressing opinions on social media.
Referring to a reported arrest of a woman in Narsingdi for criticising the government, he said public frustration was increasingly being expressed openly.
He alleged that changes to cyber security laws and pressure on journalists were being used to silence dissent.
Although the BNP describes itself as a “child government”, Nahid said, the time had come to hold it accountable. He vowed that the NCP would continue its nationwide protest programmes.
Nahid also criticised the government over law and order and the energy situation, alleging that extortion, criminal activities and insecurity had spread across the country, from the plains to the hills.
He said the home minister should focus on restoring law and order instead of concentrating on constitutional amendments. He also held the energy minister responsible for the crisis in the energy sector.
Highlighting local problems in Munshiganj, Nahid alleged that illegal sand extraction, river erosion, extortion and violence were affecting residents, with some perpetrators allegedly enjoying the protection of ruling party figures.
He urged the administration to act impartially and alleged that the government had failed to make the police effective. He also claimed that the Awami League was becoming active in different areas with the BNP’s alleged patronage.
Among those present at the meeting were Abdullah Al Amin, NCP joint convener and lawmaker from Narayanganj-4; joint conveners Sarwar Tushar and Ali Ahsan Junayed; senior joint member secretary Sarjis Alam; Dhaka North organising secretary Saiful Haider; and assistant organising secretary Shawkat Ali, along with other local and central leaders.
The meeting reviewed the party’s organisational progress and discussed its plans and activities ahead of the local government elections.