In the aftermath of the July mass uprising, the relationship between the BNP and the interim government has become increasingly strained.
Disagreements have emerged over key issues, including the president’s removal and the abrogation of the constitution, leading to heightened political tensions.
The “July Revolution Proclamation” has further deepened suspicion and distrust between the two sides, culminating in a direct confrontation over the upcoming election. Statements and counter-statements from interim government advisers and BNP leaders have sparked widespread curiosity and debate.
In a recent interview with BBC Bangla, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir emphasized the need for a neutral government to ensure fair elections. He said: “If the interim government maintains full neutrality, it will stay in power until the elections are held. Otherwise, we will need a neutral government.”
Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md Nahid Islam responded on Facebook, suggesting that the BNP’s demand hints at forming another “one-eleven” government, which he claims led to the rise of Awami fascism.
He wrote: “The BNP Secretary General’s demand for a neutral government essentially hints at forming another ‘one-eleven’ government. The rise of Awami fascism stemmed from the ‘one-eleven’ arrangement. In his statement, we see signs of another ‘one-eleven’ government, parliamentary majority, submissive foreign policy and the continuation of enforced disappearances, killings and the lack of justice for the July murders.”On another occasion, Mirza Fakhrul said: “If student leaders form a political party, they should step out of the government to do so.”
In response, Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, the interim government’s youth and sports adviser, said: “We are also against any form of involvement with political parties while being in government. If any of the advisers engage in politics, they will leave the government.”The BNP has also raised concerns about the neutrality of the government, with Senior Joint Secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi questioning the formation of a “king’s party” by advisers and favouritism towards specific political parties.
Rizvi said: “We hear that the advisers plan to create a ‘king’s party’. We also hear that advisers favour a specific political party. Why should political parties not question the government’s neutrality? The public believes that the interim government will conduct a neutral election. It cannot continue indefinitely making reforms.”The BNP and several other political parties have been demanding that the election be held by August, following necessary reforms.
They argue that delaying the election could exacerbate the economic crisis, lead to rising prices, and worsen law and order issues. Additionally, many of the reform programs initiated by the interim government are long-term and require parliamentary approval.The BNP believes that if students form a new political party, a fair election will not be possible under the current government. Consequently, they have proposed a non-party, neutral caretaker government.
According to this proposal, if the government maintains full neutrality, it will stay in power until the election is held. Otherwise, a neutral government will be required.When asked about the disagreement with the government, BNP Vice Chairman Asaduzzaman Ripon told Dhaka Tribune: “After the student and people’s uprising, the demand was for a fair and democratic election. The government’s actions are increasingly being questioned in this regard. If this question grows deeper among the people, we will undoubtedly demand a caretaker government during the election period.”
The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, however, believes that local government elections should precede the national parliamentary election. They support organizing national elections only after reforms and trials of the Awami League’s wrongdoings.
Abdul Hannan Masud, a coordinator of the movement, accused the BNP of obstructing the realization of the uprising’s goals by questioning the government’s neutrality.He said: “We see that the BNP is becoming an obstacle to achieving the uprising’s goals. Currently, its focus is on gaining power, which is why its leaders are questioning the government’s neutrality.”
Ruhin Hossain Prince, general secretary of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), also accused the interim government of losing its neutrality. He said: “The words and body language of some advisers indicate that the government is moving further away from neutrality. Some of them are working on forming new political parties while still holding advisory positions. If they remain in the advisory council, the government’s neutrality will be compromised. We want a neutral government for the election—one with no political affiliation.”
Political analysts warn that the ongoing back-and-forth statements could jeopardize the unity formed during the August 5 uprising. They urge political parties, government advisers and leaders of the anti-discrimination movement to act responsibly to avoid further conflict.Dr Md Abdur Razzaque Khan, associate professor at the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at Dhaka University and a political analyst, said: “It seems that the government is failing to maintain its neutrality. I believe the BNP’s demand is very reasonable. The party is now engaging in positive politics. The government should avoid conflicts with political parties and quickly organize an election. This will be beneficial for the country and the people.”
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