The interim government is controlled by the BNP, claimed Samantha Sharmin, senior joint convenor of the National Citizen Party (NCP).
"This government is working in favor of the BNP," she alleged in an exclusive interview with Dhaka Tribune on Thursday evening at the NCP’s party office.
Samantha said: “We are observing that BNP leaders are identifying the current government as a caretaker government. However, this interim government was formed through an uprising with a mandate. This government has certain responsibilities to fulfill. We have seen that important issues like the removal of the president and the proclamation issue have all been obstructed. We feel that this government is under the control of the BNP. Not just in the field administration, but in all areas, BNP’s influence seems overwhelming.
"This government appears to be more determined to fulfill BNP's demands. But we want to see this government work to protect the rights of the people. Because it is the people who supported and brought it to power—it’s not just that BNP supported it. This is a government for everyone; it must work inclusively.”
When asked about reforms, she responded: “Those who say that an elected government will carry out reforms are the same ones saying that they will not accept any reforms made by this government. After the mass uprising of the ’90s, we saw how the tripartite framework was broken by BNP. They campaigned for a caretaker government and then eliminated the system themselves. We don’t want to keep revisiting history, but these issues resurface due to various reasons.
"Political parties always look out for their own interests, not those of the people. Various projects are being taken to obstruct the reforms proposed by the interim government. I believe if this government receives support from all, it will be able to work effectively. However, this requires political consensus.”
When asked what timeframe NCP considers appropriate for the election, she said: “We’ve clearly said that in order for elections to be free and acceptable, justice and reforms are necessary. If the Awami League is not held accountable, then a very alarming situation may emerge surrounding the elections. If reforms are not carried out, the institutions involved in the current electoral process will continue to remain authoritarian in nature. Without structural changes, there will always be a risk of authoritarianism being reestablished.
"That’s why we are calling for both the trial of the Awami League and acceptable reforms. If there is consensus on these issues based on political understanding, then we believe we can move forward toward elections.”
