Govt politicising key state institutions: Nahid Islam

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam has alleged that the government is subtly politicising major state institutions, warning that such a trend poses a serious threat to a democratic state.

He also called for the immediate formation of a Constitution Reform Council to implement the commitments outlined in the July Charter.

Nahid made the remarks yesterday evening at an iftar reception organised by the NCP in honour of foreign diplomats and civil society representatives, marking the party's anniversary. The event was held at a hotel in the capital's Gulshan area.

According to Nahid, the reform process promised under the July Charter is losing momentum. 

He alleged that key state institutions, including Bangladesh Bank and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), are being brought under partisan influence.

Nahid also called on the international community to take note of the issue and support efforts to ensure the neutrality and independence of state institutions.

Among the diplomats present were British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke, Canadian High Commissioner Ajit Singh, Singapore's High Commissioner Michelle Lee, Turkish Ambassador Remis Sen, Australian High Commissioner Susan Ryle, First Secretary of the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka James Stewart, Palestinian Ambassador Yousef Ramadan and Pakistani High Commissioner Imran Haider along with his deputy Muhammad Wasim.

Also attending were Norwegian Ambassador H†kon Arald Gulbrandsen, Swedish Ambassador Nicolas Weeks, Swiss Ambassador Reto Renggli, Charg' d'Affaires of the European Union Baiba Zarina, Deputy Resident Representative of United Nations Development Programme Sonali Dayaratne, Spanish Ambassador Gabriel Sistiaga and Sri Lankan Ambassador Dharmapala Weerakkody.

Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Japan Takahashi Naoki, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Nepal Lalita Silwal and a representative from the UN Resident Coordinator's Office Eniu Hegos were also present.

Diplomats from several other countries including China, Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, India, Maldives and Brunei also attended the programme.

Among NCP leaders present were Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, Senior Chief Coordinator Abdul Hannan Masud, Joint Convener Dr Atik Mujahid, Joint Member Secretary and Deputy Head of International Cell Alauddin Mohammad, Joint Conveners Monira Sharmin, Nusrat Tabassum, Javed Rasin and Sarwar Tushar.