Chief Whip of the opposition and Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam has questioned when loan-defaulter members of the cabinet will repay their debts, saying anti-corruption rhetoric must begin within the government itself.
Speaking at a press conference at the party’s central office in Banglamotor, Nahid addressed the current political situation and raised concerns over the composition of the new cabinet formed under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
He said while the prime minister has taken a strong stance against corruption, several cabinet members and ruling party lawmakers are allegedly burdened with defaulted loans.
“The people of Bangladesh want to know when they will repay those loans. Anti-corruption efforts must start from one’s own home, party and cabinet,” he said.
Nahid said the opposition had expected a cabinet reflecting the aspirations of a “new Bangladesh” following the election. Instead, he claimed, the new lineup represents a continuation of the old political arrangement.
He alleged that the cabinet lacks regional balance, noting that 25 districts have no representation at the ministerial or state minister level.
He also argued that the cabinet is not sufficiently inclusive or representative, pointing out that although a few young members were appointed, the average age of ministers is around 60; falling short of the vision of a youth-driven Bangladesh.
According to Nahid, approximately 62 percent of cabinet members are businesspeople. While stating that being a businessperson is not a crime, he argued that a representative cabinet should include politicians and individuals from diverse professional backgrounds.
“When more than half of the cabinet members are businesspeople, they are more likely to protect business interests rather than public interests,” he said, alleging that a number of them face loan default accusations.
He further claimed that around 62 percent of elected MPs from Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) are loan defaulters, with outstanding debts amounting to Tk 18,868 crore.
Without naming anyone, Nahid alleged that three major ministries with the largest budgets were assigned to an individual involved in real estate business who is also an accused in a murder case, claiming that financial influence played a role in the appointment.
Commenting on Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, Nahid said that during the interim government, several experts were brought in from abroad. While utilising experts is not problematic, he said such appointments should be based on consensus.
Appointing someone who held significant responsibilities during the interim period to a key ministry without broad agreement could raise public concerns, he added.
Nahid also alleged that there have been recent efforts to rehabilitate leaders and activists of Awami League, claiming that party offices are being reopened in various districts and upazilas.
He described Awami League as effectively and legally banned, with legal proceedings ongoing and alleged that such activities could not occur without signals or support from elements within the administration or ruling party.
He called on BNP to quickly take the oath as members of the Reform Council and reiterated that accountability and genuine reform are essential to restoring public trust.
SH
