Fakhrul’s demand for neutral govt hints towards another 1/11 like govt: Adviser Nahid
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 says
Highlights
- He said BNP previously discussed "minus two," now pushing for 1/11 like government
- The party also opposed the idea of a national government, says Nahid
- Acknowledges that not all the BNP members endorse this viewpoint
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir's call for a neutral government essentially hints towards the formation of another 1/11-style administration, Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Adviser Md Nahid Islam said today (23 January).
"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, murders, and the July massacre," Nahid wrote in a Facebook post.
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"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's remarks follow Mirza Fakhrul's statement criticising the interim government for "failing to maintain neutrality in certain aspects" and demanding for a neutral government.
Speaking at a discussion on the 56th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Asad at the National Press Club, in response to a question, he said, "I have said a neutral government is needed because we see the government isn't able to play the neutral role in some issues. I request and hope it is able to do so and fulfil its responsibility to free the country from the crisis."
He said, "We advocated for a national government comprising anti-fascist political parties and civil society. Such a government could have prevented the need for student intervention. However, the BNP opposed this idea, likely because it foresaw that a national government could persist long-term.
"Ironically, despite rejecting the concept after the uprising, the BNP now speaks of forming a national government following the upcoming elections."
The adviser also noted that at every level of governance, BNP sympathisers hold positions of influence. "These realities must be acknowledged when discussing electoral neutrality."
Nahid said the BNP has opposed critical reforms, the change of presidency, the new constitution, and the July declaration — none of which were demands of the students.
"Despite this, the students have repeatedly compromised their positions to uphold national stability, broader interests, and unity. However, this willingness to compromise does not extend to any anti-democratic plans or attempts to undermine the uprising," he added.
The adviser asserted that Bangladesh's vulnerability to division stems from the willingness of many influential figures to prioritize personal gain over national unity.
He acknowledged that not all members of the BNP necessarily endorse this viewpoint, but he urged the party's patriotic and selfless leaders to prioritise national unity by aligning with the students and the masses, rather than opposing them.
Meanwhile, National Citizens' Committee Convener Nasiruddin Patwary also criticised Fakhrul over his recent remarks.
"We see the BNP secretary general's demand for an impartial government as a threat of a return to 1/11. The people have seen who tried to thwart the student movement on the morning and evening of 5 August," Patwary said in a comment on one of his Facebook post at 2:52 today.
He also alleged that the "BNP did not side with any demands" of the students and the public.
"The BNP has repeatedly called the declaration irrelevant by saying the initiative [July proclamation] is being taken after so many months. This is just a betrayal of the opportunistic and anti-national leadership of BNP," the Citizens Committee chief also said.
He called upon the "patriotic and dedicated leadership of BNP" to choose the path of greater unity and solidarity with the students-public rather than going against the student uprising.
