NCP Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam has alleged that although the 13th National Parliamentary Election was conducted in a fair manner, the results were manipulated.
He said the entire election process has, therefore been called into question. However, he added that his party accepted the outcome in the interest of democracy and national stability. “We accepted it for democracy and stability, but without constitutional reform, the old structure of Sheikh Hasina will remain — only the faces will change,” he said.
He made the remarks at a press conference at the party’t central office in Banglamotor in the capital on Thursday. Among those present were NCP Senior Joint Convener Ariful Islam Adeeb, Member Secretary Monira Sharmin, and other central leaders.
Nahid alleged that BNP refrained from taking oath in the Reform Council by misinterpreting the Constitution. “This is a betrayal of the people’s mandate,” he said.
The NCP convener said the current cabinet would not fulfill public aspirations for change, describing it as a continuation of the old arrangement.
“There has been no regional, religious, or ethnic balance. Women’s representation is limited. Many districts have no representation at all,” he said.
Referring to the July Charter, he said members of parliament were required to take oath as Reform Council members on the same day, adding that the BNP’s refusal undermines reform efforts and the people’s mandate.
Criticizing the new cabinet, Nahid alleged that it included loan defaulters, individuals accused of corruption, and former BNP ministers from 2001–2006.
“A real estate businessman and an accused in a murder case has been made a minister. Therefore, it is unrealistic to expect anything good for the country from this cabinet,” he said.
Regarding Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s declaration of a tough stance against corruption, Nahid said: “The step should begin at home — meaning from within his own cabinet first.”