Asif Mahmud reveals 'deep state' offer to extend interim govt's tenure till 2029

Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, a former adviser to the recently dissolved interim government, has claimed that influential groups within the "deep state" proposed extending the administration's tenure until 2029.

The revelation, made during a discussion at the National Citizen Party (NCP) office in Dhaka on Thursday (26 March), has sparked debate in political circles regarding the nature of the transition period.

Speaking at a programme marking Independence Day at the party's central office in Bangla Motor, Asif, who currently serves as the spokesperson of the NCP, alleged that various "powerful institutions" approached the interim government during its early months.

He claimed these actors offered support for the administration to complete the remainder of the term originally held by the Sheikh Hasina-led government, which was slated to end in 2029.

According to the NCP leader, the proposal was accompanied by specific conditions, including "facilitation" for certain groups and a strategic roadmap to sideline major political parties.

Asif alleged that the proposal suggested using existing court convictions to prolong the legal cases of BNP leaders, including its Chairman Tarique Rahman, effectively preventing them from participating in any future elections.

"We did not agree to it. We consistently upheld democratic principles," Asif said, noting that the interim government eventually chose to step down voluntarily to ensure the credibility of the elections that were later held in February this year.

In a follow-up clarification to Prothom Alo yesterday (27 March), Asif declined to name the specific entities involved but indicated that the "deep state" comprised multiple actors, including foreign elements.

He noted that these discussions took place within the first three to five months of the interim government's formation.

He further alleged that the proposal included elements that would have inadvertently legitimised the "fascistic rule" of the previous Awami League administration.

The claims come after the interim government was dissolved. Notably, no other member of the previous administration has publicly confirmed the existence of such a proposal.

Earlier, on 10 March in Rajshahi, NCP Convener and former interim government adviser Nahid Islam had claimed that a "deep state" was involved in the killing of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi, though he too did not specify who they (deep state) were.

The concept of a "deep state" remains an informal political term used to describe groups exerting influence outside formal structures.