A 16-member cabinet, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would make up the polls-time government while the Election Commission would conduct the election process, claimed ruling Awami League presidium member Mohammad Nasim on Thursday.
Nasim was addressing a discussion at the party’s headquarters at Bangabandhu Avenue. He also hinted that the interim government would start its operations after October 24.
Senior leaders in AL, however, rejected the claim saying the party as well as the government is yet to reach a decision in this regard while a member of the party’s council of secretaries branded Nasim as hungry for “media attention” and termed the idea “baseless.”
At the discussion, organised by Bangladesh Load and Unload Workers’ Federation, Nasim, also the combined spokesperson for the 14-party coalition, said: “The upcoming national polls will be held in accordance with the constitution. There will be a 16-member cabinet under the leadership of the prime minister, which will run the government. The Election Commission will conduct the election.”
This was the first time, someone from the ruling party has hinted about the structure of the interim government.
Meanwhile, several senior leaders of the party claimed that they were in dark concerning Nasim’s information.
Talking to the Dhaka Tribune, AL’s Presidium member Matia Chowdhury and advisory council member Suranjit Sengupta said they did not have any idea about this.
On the other hand, AL Presidium member Nuh-Ul-Alam Lenin told the Dhaka Tribune: “As far as I know, the government has not yet taken any decision about the structure of the interim government.”
Another member of AL’s council of secretaries requesting anonymity, said: “Nasim Bhai is a media crazy person. For coverage he has made such remarks. This information is totally baseless.”
Mohammad Nasim, however, did not receive his phone despite repeated attempts by the Dhaka Tribune.
Nasim in his address, accused BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia of hatching conspiracy to claim power illegally, after failing to launch movement.
“Mass killings has taken place in Egypt in the name of protecting democracy. Khaleda Zia wants to create a similar situation in the country and for this, she has been enticing the army, the police and the BGB.”
Nasim said these forces are assigned with specific responsibilities and the people of the country would protect democracy.
The AL presidium member said: “Hearing the threats by BNP leaders, one can presume that there might be a tsunami or earthquake in the country after October 24.” He then said nothing would happen.
“If Khaleda tries to create anarchy, Awami League along with countrymen will unload Khaleda Zia,” Nasim said.
President of the Federation SM Omar Faruque presided over the discussion which was also addressed by, among others, by Dhaka City AL General Secretary Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya, Mukul Chowdhury, Abdul Haque Sabuj, Shahidul Islam Milon.