National Citizen Party spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan on Saturday claimed that the trial over the 2024 mass uprising and the implementation of the July Charter would stall if the Bangladesh Nationalist Party comes to power.
Speaking at a press conference at the party’s Banglamotor office in the evening, he said recent remarks bunby BNP leaders signalled the party’s position, citing a comment suggesting that Sheikh Hasina’s children could enter politics. He said this showed BNP would not pursue trials against the Awami League.
Launching a sharp attack on BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, Asif Mahmud called allowing Sheikh Hasina to engage in politics a “historic mistake”, arguing it had harmed the country for decades and even cost Khaleda Zia dearly.
He said public rejection of the Awami League was evident from the 2024 uprising, adding that BNP and the Awami League were now indistinguishable and had reached an understanding. He also accused BNP of betraying its grassroots by easing space for the Awami League after years of repression faced by activists.
Asif Mahmud further alleged BNP had already abandoned the July Charter despite signing it, pointing to the omission of an upper house proposal from the party’s manifesto and claiming the charter would not be implemented regardless of a referendum outcome.
Warning of security risks ahead of the election, he alleged some parties were stockpiling weapons and urged joint forces to intensify drives to recover illegal arms. He also complained of a lack of a level playing field, accusing the Election Commission of bias.
Expressing optimism about turnout in the February 12 election, he dismissed claims that Awami League supporters would stay away, saying former polling agents were now active with BNP or independent candidates, which would draw voters to the polls.
