Student advisers have no ties with NCP: Nahid Islam

Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, Local Government Adviser, and Mahfuz Alam, Information Adviser of the interim government, have no affiliation with the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), said party convenor Nahid Islam.

They joined the government as representatives of the mass uprising, not as political appointees, he further said. 

Nahid made these remarks on Saturday afternoon during a press conference organised by the NCP at its temporary central office in Banglamotor in the capital.

The briefing was arranged to address the current political situation.

“If they choose to engage in politics or participate in elections, they must first leave the government. They will make those decisions independently. However, attempts are being made to falsely link them with the NCP in an effort to defame and discredit them. We believe this is a deliberate smear campaign. We strongly condemn and protest the misinformation associating the two student advisers with the NCP,” he added.

Nahid Islam hoped that Professor Muhammad Yunus will remain in office at the head of the interim government and lead the country toward a resolution through political dialogue with all parties.

He emphasised the need for a declaration of the Proclamation of the July uprising within the stipulated timeline, and urged the government to present a comprehensive roadmap encompassing justice, reform, and elections simultaneously.

In response to a question from journalists, Nahid Islam stated, “We have respect for the army. It is one of the country's vital institutions. However, it is not their role to make decisions on political matters. Their responsibility is to defend the country and ensure national security. In times of crisis, they are currently on the streets, handling law and order.”

Commenting on the list of 626 individuals recently released by the army, he added that had the list been published earlier, it would have prevented public suspicion and concern.

“No one would have had the opportunity to speak against the institution if the list had been made public sooner,” he noted.

The convenor of NCP also stated that the Election Commission has lost its neutrality and public trust.

Therefore, the EC must either work to regain trust or step down from its responsibilities, he added.