National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan on Saturday claimed that the trial of the genocide during the 2024 mass uprising and the implementation of the July Charter would not take place if the BNP comes to power.
Addressing a press conference at the party’s Banglamotor office in the evening, Asif Mahmud alleged that recent remarks by BNP’s top leadership clearly indicate the party’s stance.
“The BNP chief has said in a recent interview that Sheikh Hasina’s children could enter politics if people want. This proves that if BNP assumes power, it will not try the Awami League for genocide.”
In a scathing attack on BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman, Asif Mahmud said allowing Sheikh Hasina to do politics was a ‘historic mistake’.
“That mistake has cost the people of Bangladesh for decades. Even Khaleda Zia had to pay for it with her life. Yet, blinded by lust for power, her son is now willing to give the Awami League space in politics.” Asif added.
Claiming that people no longer want the Awami League in politics, the NCP spokesperson said the 2024 mass uprising would not have happened if there was any such public support. “At this point, BNP coming to power and Awami League coming to power mean the same thing. BNP has already reached a kind of understanding with the Awami League.”
Asif Mahmud also accused the BNP of deceiving its grassroots leaders and activists. “Grassroots leaders endured imprisonment and repression, while top leaders lived a luxurious life in London. Now, by allowing the Awami League to return to politics, they are betraying their own activists.”
He also alleged that BNP has already ‘betrayed’ the July Charter, despite signing it. “The issue of an upper house in parliament, as clearly stated in the July Charter, has been avoided in BNP’s election manifesto. Even if BNP comes to power, regardless of whether a referendum says ‘yes’ or ‘no’, they will not implement the July Charter.”
Warning of security risks ahead of the election, Asif Mahmud alleged that some political parties are stockpiling weapons, which could be used on polling day and make the situation ‘dangerous’.
He urged the joint forces to launch an all-out drive to recover illegal arms.
Nasiruddin criticises Tarique Rahman, Chhatral Dal, Jubo Dal
Asif also complained of the absence of a level playing field, alleging bias by the Election Commission. “Our candidates are being served show-cause notices over minor issues, while candidates of other parties openly violate the code of conduct without any action. This discriminatory attitude is destroying the level playing field.”
Expressing optimism over voter turnout in the February-12 election, Asif Mahmud dismissed claims that a significant portion of Awami League supporters would stay away from voting.
“Those who worked as polling agents during the Awami League-era are now either working for BNP or independent candidates. With them active in the field, general voters will also turn out,” he said.