Dhaka: National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam accused the BNP-led government of walking the same old path of autocracy during a press briefing on Sunday. The briefing followed an alliance meeting at the opposition leader's residence in the capital.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Nahid criticized the government for ignoring the public mandate from the referendum and not implementing the provisions of the July Charter. He highlighted the government's failure to take the oath for the Reform Commission, convene a session, and its politicization of institutions, including the Election Commission. Nahid expressed disappointment that the envisioned peaceful government and impartial Election Commission have not been realized, as the current administration follows a similar autocratic path.
Nahid also mentioned an aborted attempt to agree on a consensus candidate for the presidential election. He stated that proposals were made to amend the election process and enhance the president's powers within a balanced power framework.
"Our expectation was that the President would be elected after the election, in accordance with the July Charter," Nahid said. He emphasized the importance of implementing the July Charter and forming a Constitution Reform Council to elect a new President under a reformed constitution, reflecting the people's mandate with 70 percent support.
The NCP leader criticized the extension of the incumbent president's term by six months without judicial accountability, suggesting potential political maneuvering before future caretaker transitions. He noted the BNP's history of attempting to retain power during transitional periods, creating political and constitutional crises in Bangladesh.
In response to a journalist's question about nominating a candidate despite potential election losses, Nahid stated that the NCP believes in a participatory and competitive democratic process. He announced that the 11-party coalition would field LDP Chairman and veteran Freedom Fighter Col. (Retd.) Oli Ahmad as a presidential candidate to promote competitive and participatory democracy.