Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology Adviser Md Nahid Islam has stated that BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir’s call for a neutral government essentially hints at the formation of another 1/11-style administration.
In a Facebook post on 23 January, Nahid expressed his concern following Fakhrul’s criticism of the interim government for "failing to maintain neutrality in certain aspects" and his call for a neutral government.
“The BNP Secretary General's (Mirza Fakhrul Islam) demand for a neutral government essentially hints at the formation of another 1/11-style government. Awami fascism, rooted in the 1/11 changeover, emerged from that period. The BNP secretary general’s remarks suggest the possibility of a similar government reemerging, continuing the trend of parliamentary dominance, reactive foreign policies, and the absence of justice for enforced disappearances, killings, and the July massacre,” Nahid wrote.
BNP urges interim govt to maintain neutrality amid political crisis
He further claimed that the plan to sideline students and the leadership of the July Uprising began on 5 August. “On that day, while students and the masses were fighting on the streets and police shootings continued, many of our compromising national leaders were busy in the cantonment, devising plans to form a new government excluding the people (some even discussed the students there).”
Since 3 August, Nahid stated, the student movement had firmly opposed any form of military rule or state of emergency. Despite repeated requests to go to the cantonment, they refused. Ultimately, a decision was made at Bangabhaban through discussions and bargaining to form an interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus (Interim Government Chief Adviser).
“We had wanted a national government composed of anti-fascist political parties and civil society representatives. If a national government had been formed, the students might not have needed to come into power. The national government would have been more sustainable, but the BNP refused to agree to it,” Nahid explained.
He further criticized the BNP for talking about a national government only after the next election, despite the need for one being most critical immediately after the uprising.
Interim govt's neutrality pivotal to ensure free and fair elections: Fakhrul
“Students are the only factor in this government and the existing reality that completely separates the current government from the 1/11 government. The BNP discussed a minus two a few days ago but is now proposing another 1/11 government in the name of a neutral government to smooth the path to power,” he added.
Nahid warned that such a plan would go against democracy and national interests, with both the students and the public rejecting it. "Moreover, I believe this is also a conspiracy against the BNP."
He pointed out that even though the current government is not a national government, all parties involved in the movement have representation and are enjoying various benefits. For instance, before the formation of the government, on 6 August, the Attorney General and the former Inspector General of Police, who were essentially BNP affiliates, were appointed. BNP supporters are also present in various layers of the government, from top to bottom. "When discussing election neutrality, this reality must also be considered," Nahid emphasized.
He criticized the BNP for taking a stance against changes in the presidency, reforms, a new constitution, and the July declaration, noting that none of these were partisan demands from the students. Despite this, students had repeatedly stepped back from their positions for the sake of national stability, greater interests, and unity.
However, Nahid emphasized that this does not mean they would compromise on plans that are anti-democratic or against the spirit of the uprising. He pointed out that while India’s major political parties have united against the Awami League, Bangladesh has failed to achieve unity against the ruling party despite numerous killings and crimes.
“Alas, what kind of state will we build with such 'national unity'?” he questioned, adding that weakening Bangladesh is easy because it is easily divided, with many influential people ready to sell out for a small price.
Nahid expressed his belief that not all of BNP adopts this position, and that a large portion of BNP activists and supporters genuinely desire the realization of the uprising’s aspirations. He called upon the patriotic and selfless leadership of the BNP: “Instead of opposing the students’ and the public’s uprising, choose the path of broader unity and solidarity with them.”
