NCP trying to unite 'pro-Islam, pro-Bangladesh' forces: Patwary

The National Citizen Party (NCP) is trying to unify the pro-Islam and pro-Bangladesh parties to face any attack against Bangladesh, the party's Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary told The Business Standard today (23 May), hinting at a new political alliance.

"We are trying to unite the pro-Islam and pro-Bangladesh forces. So that we can strongly confront any kind of attack on Bangladesh. We have already talked to many parties. A press briefing will be held with the update very soon," he said.

Patwary's statement comes after the NCP leaders held meetings with senior leaders from Islami Andolan, Gono Adhikar Parishad, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, and AB Party last night (22 May).

The parties agreed to support the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government to hold the national election after finishing necessary reforms, amid reports that the chief adviser is considering resignation due to being hindered by political instability.

 Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami also expressed its support to the alliance on this matter, TBS reported earlier today.

Speaking about Yunus' resignation reports, "In yesterday's meeting with our convener [Nahid Islam], the chief adviser said no one is giving him a chance to work. Various offices are being blocked, and obstacles are being created to work."

"If sir resigns, the justice and reform process will be hampered. For this, a request has been made on our part. Especially, various titles in the judiciary are occupied by party people. The responsibility of the law ministry is also there," he added.

Meanwhile, taking a jibe at BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, he said, "It is very disappointing that leadership like Salauddin Ahmed in the organisation built by Ziaur Rahman is taking the party on the wrong path."

Salahuddin has recently accused the government of showing favouritism towards the NCP.

Speaking at an event in Khulna last Saturday, he said two advisers - Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud and Information Adviser Mahfuj Alam - are representatives of the NCP.

"They [representatives] are both advisers and NCP supporters. If you want to maintain neutrality, ask these two NCP-aligned individuals to resign," he said.