Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has strongly criticised the newly formed BNP-led government, highlighting multiple concerns over its cabinet composition, constitutional commitments, and political direction.
Speaking at a press briefing at the party’s temporary office in Banglamotor on Thursday, Nahid stated that the 12 February parliamentary election and referendum – the first since the July mass uprising – fell short of the movement’s expectations.
While acknowledging that the voting process appeared fair, he claimed that the results had been manipulated.
Despite these reservations, the NCP accepted the outcome in the interest of democratic stability, with its members taking oaths for both Parliament and the Constitutional Reform Council.
Constitutional ‘Betrayal’ A central point of contention for the NCP is the BNP’s refusal to take the Constitutional Reform Council oath on the same day as the parliamentary oath.
Nahid described this as a violation of the July Charter Implementation Order and a “betrayal of the reform mandate.”
He asserted that Parliament alone cannot achieve the structural changes promised before the election and called on the ruling party to immediately convene the Council’s first session.
Critiquing cabinet composition
Regarding the cabinet formed under Prime Minister Tareq Rahman, Nahid criticised its makeup, noting that 62 per cent of ministers and state ministers are businesspeople, many of whom are reportedly loan defaulters.
He referenced a Transparency International Bangladesh report indicating that BNP MPs hold loans totalling Tk 18,868 crore. While stating that being a businessman is not a crime, Nahid warned that such a cabinet risk prioritising business interests over public welfare.
The NCP convener also noted shortcomings in inclusivity, citing the absence of representation from certain districts, limited female participation, and minimal involvement of religious and ethnic minorities.
He remarked that the average age of the ministers, approximately 60, failed to reflect the “youthful energy” that drove the July uprising.
Nahid singled out specific appointments for concern, including a minister facing murder allegations and others with past corruption charges dating back to the BNP’s 2001–2006 tenure.
He also criticised the appointment of Khalilur Rahman as Foreign Minister. Given Rahman’s prior role in the interim government’s election management – and the fact that the BNP had previously sought his removal – Nahid argued the move raises questions about the neutrality of the entire transition process.
Awami League ‘rehabilitation’
A major concern raised was the reopening of Awami League offices in eight or nine districts, despite the party remaining legally banned and under trial.
Nahid warned that media coverage of these events appeared “encouraging” rather than impartial, suggesting tacit government approval. He threatened nationwide political resistance if the administration continues to allow such activities.
Addressing the state of press, Nahid cited recent journalist suspensions and dismissals, urging government-affiliated media figures to refrain from suppressing dissenting voices. He also highlighted the sharp rise in food prices despite directives from the prime minister, calling for urgent action against syndicates exploiting the Ramadan season.
When questioned about the NCP’s decision to take the parliamentary oath, Nahid explained the party acted upon formal invitations from the Election Commission and the government.
While the NCP intends to operate within the parliamentary framework, Nahid emphasised that the party remains unwavering on its principles of reform, anti-corruption, and accountability for past violence.
He warned that if the government fails to uphold these standards, the public will reject it, and the NCP will lead street protests to defend justice and transparency.
