Dhaka: Rashed Khan, Political Assistant to the Prime Minister, has accused National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam of emboldening Nasiruddin Patwary, the party's chief coordinator, to make derogatory remarks against the Bangladesh Army and the government. During an event organized by the Ex-Forces Association at the Jatiya Press Club, Rashed Khan stated that Nahid's backing and direct instigation have led to Nasiruddin's imprudent behavior.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Rashed Khan called on Nasiruddin to apologize for his objectionable comments about the army, particularly regarding the army chief's appearance. He criticized Nasiruddin's audacity in making such remarks and demanded an apology to the army. Furthermore, Rashed alleged that Nasiruddin has been using inappropriate language against government ministers, which he deemed unacceptable and urged to be stopped immediately.
Rashed also criticized Nahid Islam for his grandiose rhetoric despite his perceived failures during his tenure in the interim government. He highlighted Nahid's inability to implement the Media Reform Commission's recommendations and accused other youth advisers of engaging in lobbying and influence-peddling, leading to the government's shortcomings.
Rashed further claimed that NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan informed him of internal betrayals within the party. He alleged that Sarjis Alam and Hasnat Abdullah had deviated from the ideals of the July uprising, resulting in Asif's promotion over them. Rashed accused the NCP of distorting the history of the July mass uprising by denying the role of the quota reform movement, which he claimed was the foundation of the uprising.
Turning his focus to Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Rashed accused the party of conspiring to overthrow the government instead of cooperating with it. He expressed skepticism about their ability to lead a successful movement or run the country if they succeeded in toppling the government.
Rashed also criticized Liberal Democratic Party Chairman Oli Ahmad, accusing him of falling into NCP's influence and making nonsensical statements. He attributed Oli Ahmad's decline to his association with the NCP and Nasiruddin's influence.
On the issue of peace in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Rashed emphasized the necessity of the army's presence, warning that withdrawal could lead to instability. He urged for unity under nationalist ideals to move Bangladesh forward, acknowledging that while differences of opinion may exist, there should be no dispute over the nation's progress.