Dhaka, Oct 25 (V7N) — Bangladesh would risk becoming a tributary state of India if the Awami League and Jatiya Party are politically rehabilitated, said Akhtar Hossain, Member Secretary of the National Citizens Party (NCP). He claimed that the Jatiya Party had long benefited from the Awami League’s “fascist rule” and is now seeking to bring it back into the electoral field. “But these two parties must not be allowed to re-enter politics or contest future elections,” he warned.

Speaking at a coordination meeting of NCP’s Dhaka District and North–South Metropolitan units held at the Shaheed Abu Sayeed Convention Hall in Shahbagh on Friday, Akhtar criticized the interim government for failing to establish a legal framework for the July Charter. “They have signed the Charter without clarifying its legal foundation or the process of implementation,” he said, adding that despite the passage of considerable time since the signing, the government has not provided any clear explanation regarding its legal status, enforcement mechanism, or the proposed national referendum. He urged the authorities to immediately give the Charter a proper legal basis.

NCP’s Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary said that the party’s alliance strategy would depend on commitment to reform and the legal foundation of the July Charter. “People want reform. We will align only with those who stand for reform within the framework of the Charter,” he said. “If BNP and Jamaat come forward with such intent, we will also move in that direction.”

He further emphasized that the NCP’s mission is to ensure a parliament free from the Awami League and Jatiya Party. “We want to see a legislature without them. The NCP will continue working toward that goal and play a decisive role in the next government formation,” Patwary stated.

Sarzis Alam, NCP’s Chief Organizer for the northern region, announced that individuals affiliated with the Awami League or its student wing during the 2024 uprising will not be accepted into the party. “Our doors are open for good people from any party, but not for those tied to Awami fascism. The NCP did not emerge to be Bangladesh’s 46th political party — we came to form a people’s government or serve as a strong opposition, not as a pet opposition like the Jatiya Party,” he asserted.

Hasnat Abdullah, Chief Organizer for NCP’s southern region, accused certain groups of attempting to influence the upcoming election by dividing administrative posts among deputy commissioners and superintendents of police. He urged the head of the interim government to step out of “silent observer mode” and ensure administrative neutrality.

He also alleged that a particular political party has already taken control of several private enterprises and is training employees to assist in election operations. “Even educational institutions are being occupied, and teachers are being prepared to act as returning and polling officers,” Hasnat claimed.

The event concluded with speeches from NCP’s central, metropolitan, and district-level leaders, who reiterated the party’s call for an Awami League– and Jatiya Party–free parliament and the establishment of a reformed, people-centered political system in Bangladesh.

END/SMA/AJ/