National Citizens’ Party (NCP) Convener and opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam on Saturday urged the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to take oath in line with the Constitution Reform Commission and initiate steps to remove President Mohammed Shahabuddin during the first session of the 13th National Parliament, scheduled to begin on March 12.
“Otherwise, if any deviation occurs, it will compel not only the Eleven-Party Alliance but also the National Citizens’ Party to take necessary decisions,” Nahid said while addressing a discussion followed by the Faridpur divisional NCP iftar mahfil held at Ambika Memorial Ground in Faridpur.
He said the tendency to politicize state institutions, seen during Sheikh Hasina’s previous tenure, is now emerging under the current government.
Addressing the discussion as the chief guest, Nahid urged the ruling party to act responsibly.
“During Sheikh Hasina’s previous term, we witnessed how state institutions, the judiciary, administration, and police were all politicized. Even though this government has not completed a month, we are already seeing the same tendencies,” he said.
He also accused the ruling party of betraying the people’s mandate.
“After the July popular uprising, the long-awaited election was held, but that election has been questioned in various ways. According to the July Charter, we were sworn in, yet the ruling party has dishonored the commitment of the July mandate,” he said.
“They are trying to circumvent the two oaths in different ways. The July Charter’s orders were carried out via a referendum in which the people overwhelmingly voted in favor of reforms.”
Nahid alleged that the ruling party has conspired to question the validity of the referendum and that its lawyers are attempting in court to challenge it while exerting pressure on the judiciary.
He also claimed that sections of the media are attempting to undermine the July mass uprising and rehabilitate the Awami League by spreading “false and misleading information.”
“We want to say very clearly that there is no forgiveness for fascists. The fascists will be brought to justice on the soil of Bangladesh,” he said, also demanding justice for the killing of martyr Sharif Osman Hadi.
Referring to the Liberation War, Nahid said it remains a proud part of Bangladesh’s history but alleged that over the past 17 years “fascist collaborators” distorted its aspirations by using the names of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the March 7 speech to legitimize looting, killings, and enforced disappearances.
“We want to warn that such attempts will not succeed,” he added.
Among others, Sarjis Alam, MP Elias Mollah, Jamaat leader Abdut Tawwab, and district amir Maulana Badruddin were present.