BNP’s Salahuddin accuses interim govt of siding with NCP

Highlights:

• Salahuddin accuses govt of favoritism, citing two NCP advisers included in administration
• Calls for removal of foreign national appointed as national security adviser
• Stresses electoral reforms and holding free and fair elections by December

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday accused the government of showing favouritism towards the National Citizen Party (NCP), pointing out that two of its representatives have been included in the administration.

“They [representatives] are both advisers and NCP supporters. If you want to maintain neutrality, ask these two NCP-aligned individuals to resign,” he said while addressing a youth rally titled ‘Tarunner Odhikar Pratistha Shomabesh’ at Khulna Circuit House ground.

Salahuddin criticised Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus for appointing a foreign national as Bangladesh’s national security adviser.

“Has the government lost all senses?” he said, adding, “How can the Bangladesh Army submit security-related reports to a foreign citizen? He [CA] wants to turn Bangladesh into a battlefield under the pretext of a humanitarian corridor for the Rohingyas. This national security adviser must be removed.”

On the election issue, Salahuddin emphasised that the interim government’s only mandate is to hold a free, fair and transparent parliamentary election. 

“We had said necessary electoral reforms must be carried out on a priority basis and the national election must be held in December.”

He said the interim government was formed in the wake of a mass uprising. “But don’t assume we want you to remain in power until the Day of Judgment,” he said.

BNP’s associate bodies—Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal—organized the rally, participated by a large number of young leaders and activists from the Khulna and Barishal divisions.