NCP has no ties with two student advisers: Nahid Islam
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Updated: 24 May 2025, 18: 50
National Citizen Party (NCP) convenor Nahid Islam (2nd from left) speaks at a press conference at the party’s temporary central office in Banglamotor, Dhaka, on 24 May 2025 to brief the current political situation. Prothom Alo
National Citizen Party (NCP) has no ties with Adviser for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain and Information Adviser Mahfuj Alam, who have been in the interim government as representatives of students, as well as joined the government on the aftermath of the mass uprising as representatives of that movement.
NCP convenor Nahid Islam made the remarks at a press conference on the contemporary political situations at the NCP’s temporary central office in the capital’s Banglamotor on Saturday afternoon.
Speaking about Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain and Mahfuj Alam, the NCP leader said, “If they want to engage in politics or contest elections, they cannot do so while in the government. In that case, they will have to leave the government and decide independently. But attempts are being made to link them with the NCP as part of propaganda to undermine them. We would say this very deliberate. We condemn and protest the propaganda connecting the two student advisers with the NCP.”
Roadmap on judicial reform, election should be announced
Nahid Islam hoped that head of interim government Professor Muhammad Yunus would remain in office and engage all political sides in discussions to find a solution.
He said a declaration should be announced within the stipulated time in July. Three roadmaps on judiciary, reform, and elections should be announced at the same time. This would raise a sense of reassurance and trust among people and political parties.
He urged the government to announce the July Charter and roadmaps for judiciary, reform, and elections simultaneously.
Yunus not willing to take responsibility for 'controlled election'
Nahid also said Professor Muhammad Yunus doubted that a ‘controlled election’ may happen because of pressure that is being exerted for elections.
He does not want to take responsibility for it. According to Nahid, the chief adviser shared these concerns in their discussions.
Nahid said, “I told Professor Yunus that he must stay in office because the people have expectations based on his promises. He resolves the matter politically.”
Nahid Islam visited the chief adviser’s residence Jamuna on Thursday evening amid rumours of Professor Yunus’s resignation started making the rounds.
Replying to a query on this matter, Nahid Islam said, “Considering the circumstances created by the court, the NBR, and events in front of Jamuna, Professor Yunus think if he is taken hostage or forced to concede to any demand through pressure, he does not agree to that. Secondly, he thinks he took the responsibility after the mass uprising to bring about several fundamental changes in the country. If he cannot implement these fundamental reforms, such as judicial reform, then what is the point of him staying? He is unable to fulfil the promises he made to the people under the current situation.”
Giving political decisions not military’s duty
Replying to another query, Nahid Islam said, “We respect the military. It is an important institution in the country. But it is not their duty to give political decisions. Their duty is to protect the country and ensure national security. They are now on the streets, looking after law and order in times of crisis.”
Referring to the list of 626 people published by the military, Nahid Islam said that had list been published earlier, it would have raised no doubts and fears among the public, and no one could have had the opportunity to speak against such an institution, Nahid Islam observed.
Awami League responsible for disunity
Nahid blamed the Awami League for the current disunity in Bangladesh. He said, “BNP has always talked about elections, but a national election is not our only aspiration after the mass uprising. It is one of major aspirations. We may have political disagreements and ideological differences, but we must reach a place of unity for the sake of the people and the country. We believe this and are ready for dialogue anytime.”
Alleging that attempts are underway to legitimise elections held under the Awami League by going to court, Nahid Islam said they believe this will create chaos. He suggested moving toward local government elections instead of complicating the situation over past elections.
Election commission lost neutrality
The NCP convener also commented that the election commission has lost its neutrality and trust. He added that if it cannot regain public confidence, it is not possible for this commission to conduct a fair election. As a result, the election commission must either try to restore public trust or step down.
NCP not linked to 5-year campaign
NCP’s member secretary Akhtar Hossain also addressed the press conference. Replying to a query, he said, “We do not think that the interim government should stay in power for five years or operate for a long period without delivering. We believe the tenure of this government should depend on the tasks it accomplishes... The NCP as a party has no connection to the ongoing five-year campaign or discussions around it.”
He also urged that whatever decisions the government proceeds with over a relief corridor or a humanitarian corridor, there should be no confusion among people and political parties regarding this.
NCP’s chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari, senior joint convener Samantha Sharmin and Ariful Islam Adeeb and chief organiser for the southern region Hasnat Abdullah, among others, were present at the press briefing.
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