National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan on Thursday claimed that the “deep state” had devised a strategy to keep the interim government in power until 2029.
“At the beginning of the then government, various proposals were made to us from different powerful institutions, which are actually called the ‘deep state’. It was said, ‘Sheikh Hasina has a tenure until 2029—complete that term. We will support you,’” he said.
He made the remarks at a discussion organized at the party’s temporary central office in Banglamotor on Thursday afternoon, marking the Independence and National Day.
NCP Joint Conveners Sarwar Tushar and Monira Sharmin also spoke at the event.
At the discussion, Asif alleged that “certainly someone close to the government is stockpiling oil.”
He said he had been a member of the purchasing committee of the previous government and noted that there was supposed to be a two-month stock of oil, expressing surprise at such a situation arising within just one month.
Asif said the BNP had harmed democracy by appointing party-affiliated individuals as administrators in various institutions.
“Have those whom BNP will nominate for mayoral posts been made administrators? If they contest elections while already sitting as administrators, what will others do by contesting?” he asked.
He added that the NCP would cooperate with the government if it moved forward by implementing the July charter.
“Otherwise, it will have to come to the side of the people and choose the right course,” he said.
Asif also criticized BNP’s proposal to bring amendments to the ordinance related to enforced disappearances.
“By proposing amendments to the ordinance on disappearances, BNP is proving that they also want to carry out disappearances,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Sarwar Tushar said BNP had benefited from every political transition in Bangladesh’s history but failed to meet public expectations.
“This time, political parties had trusted BNP. But they have betrayed other political parties. Taking the referendum to court is proof of that,” he said.