Political parties trying to prove interim government as a failed one: Nahid

The political parties are trying to prove the interim government as a failed one, Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md Nahid Islam said yesterday (11 December).

"Political parties want the reforms to be under their control, and thus they are trying to prove the current interim government as a failed one. They are giving more importance to elections than reforms," he said while responding to a question on reform initiatives and national election by former Chilean minister of social development Giorgio Jackson in a meeting with a delegation from the British Global Partner's Governance (GPG) at the ministry, said a press release.

Nahid Islam stated an interim government has taken responsibility in Bangladesh through a mass uprising. 

"This is an unprecedented event that has never happened before. I am not aware of any other country where something like this has occurred. We are trying to work in such a situation," he said. 

Replying to another question of former member of the Scottish Parliament Lord Jeremy Purvis on the challenges the interim government faces, the adviser said the main challenges are maintaining law and order, addressing economic issues, advancing reform efforts based on consensus with political parties, and establishing global communication. 

When Matt Charter from the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office asked what kind of assistance the interim government expects from them, Nahid said, "Your experience and advice on the post-coup democratic process and the trial of genocide are crucial for us."

The adviser further said, "Various kinds of propaganda are being spread internationally. Many are unable to correctly interpret the people's coup." 

"People do not understand how such a large dictator fell in such a short time. As a result, there are various conspiracies happening both inside and outside the country. Propaganda is also being spread about minority repression. Many are trying to deny that this movement was a democratic uprising," said the adviser.

Nahid Islam said Bangladesh has been facing a long-standing human rights crisis.

"People could not vote, and thousands of people were forcibly disappeared. The people of the country were in a suffocating situation. Therefore, protecting human rights is one of the primary goals of the interim government", he added.

The GPG delegation assured full support to the interim government.