NCP calls for announcing roadmaps for justice, reform, elections together

Roadmaps addressing justice for the mass killings during last year's July-August uprising, overall reform process, and the next national election should be announced simultaneously, said National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam today (24 May).

"Our expectation from the interim government is a peaceful transfer of power through justice, reform, and fair elections. It is the responsibility of this interim government not just to organise elections, but also to bring about justice and fundamental reforms," he said while addressing a press conference at the NCP office in Dhaka's Banglamotor.

"We urge Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to remain in charge and move towards resolving problems through political discussions with all parties," he said.

"We also think the July Charter should be announced within the stipulated time," he added.

Nahid stressed the importance of presenting the full roadmap at once.

"The roadmap for justice, reform, and elections – all three – should be announced together. This will create a sense of relief among the public and political parties. A space for trust will be created," he said.

He added, "Alongside this, the people and political parties must act responsibly. For Bangladesh's current situation, national security, and a future democratic Bangladesh, we will act responsibly and resolve everything through discussion."

Regarding army

Nahid said the army has released a list of 626 individuals who were sheltered by it during the mass uprising. "Had this been published earlier, there would have been no room for doubt or suspicion. Then, there would have been no opportunity to speak against the institution.

"The army is a symbol of our sovereignty. The role that the army has played during the mass uprising and afterwards is undoubtedly significant."

The NCP leader continued, "However, we have also seen at different times in our political history that a relationship between the army and politics sometimes develops. We are aware of the events of 1/11.

"These incidents have never brought good outcomes for our democracy, for the state, or for the army as an institution. We all should take this into consideration. Everyone should fulfil their respective responsibilities."

He added that in the past, various state institutions have been politicised. "There are allegations that the bureaucracy, police, and army have been used to carry out various inhumane activities.

"At this point in time, each institution should bring those accused to justice and reestablish themselves as institutions of the state and of the people — that is our expectation."

Nahid said that many of the army officers who have been accused of being involved in enforced disappearances have not yet been arrested. "Nor do we know their current whereabouts.

"If these matters are clarified, the army as an institution will gain even more public trust. And we want to see the army in that place of trust."

Regarding student advisers

The NCP convener said the party has no relation with the two advisers of the interim government, Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan and Mahfuj Alam, two of the student leaders who had spearheaded last year's mass uprising. 

"If they want to engage in politics and elections, they cannot do so while remaining in the government. In that case, they will have to leave the government and make their own decisions," he said. 

"The two student advisers had joined the government as representatives of the July mass uprising. I was also with them. If they want to engage in politics or participate in elections, they cannot do so while remaining in the government," Nahid further clarified. 

He said, "Despite having no relationship with the two advisers, attempts are being made to associate them with NCP through propaganda and to demean them. We say this is very intentional."

Nahid said the decision to leave the government is entirely up to them. 

"We expect that all advisors, including the student advisers, will work together to implement the aspirations and legitimacy of the mass uprising. We condemn and protest the propaganda by associating the two student advisers with NCP," added the NCP convener.

At this time, NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, Senior Joint Convener Samanta Sharmin, Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari, Chief Organiser (Southern Region) Hasnat Abdullah, and others were present.