NCP Leaders Accuse BNP of Politicizing State Institutions and Abandoning Reform Pledges
National Citizens Party (NCP) leader Akhtar Hossain has leveled sharp criticism at the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), accusing the administration of politicizing state and constitutional institutions. Speaking at a public meeting organized by the NCP’s Chuadanga district branch on Monday, Hossain argued that the government is systematically filling key posts with party loyalists, a direct contradiction to its prior campaign pledges of neutrality.
The NCP leader pointed to the party’s "31-point" reform platform, which explicitly promised the appointment of impartial individuals to constitutional bodies. Hossain alleged that the current administration has instead maneuvered to seize control of at least 12 vital government institutions. He warned that if this trend continues, the government’s priority will remain firmly on party preservation rather than the national interest.
Central to Hossain’s critique is the demand for the implementation of a referendum mandate, which he maintains would pave the way for a new caretaker government framework and a bicameral parliament based on proportional representation. He argued that such structural changes would eliminate the need for citizens to lobby political figures for employment, allowing merit to drive recruitment. Furthermore, he expressed concern over the appointment of a party activist as an additional secretary within the Election Commission, describing it as a calculated move to manipulate future local and national elections.
Reflecting on the legacy of the previous administration under Sheikh Hasina, Hossain characterized that era as one defined by systemic oppression, citing the use of the Digital Security Act to silence dissent and the existence of clandestine detention centers. He paid tribute to the victims of the 2024 mass uprising, including local activist Shahriar Shuvo, emphasizing that the sacrifices made during that period were intended to secure a democratic future for all citizens.
The event also featured remarks from NCP chief organizer Hasnat Abdullah, who accused both the former Awami League government and the incumbent BNP of undermining electoral integrity. Abdullah specifically raised concerns regarding media freedom, alleging that influential media conglomerates are working in tandem with the government to suppress independent journalism.
Highlighting the economic challenges facing the youth, the NCP leaders expressed alarm over the intense competition for temporary government roles, noting that some positions for family card data collection have attracted 20 applicants for every single opening. They urged the government to abandon the practice of partisan appointments and instead focus on creating a merit-based employment system to curb the growing despair among the country’s younger generation. The NCP leadership concluded by affirming that the party intends to participate in upcoming local government elections to ensure that fundamental rights and civic services are effectively delivered to the public.
