Interim govt transferred power to BNP through 'engineering': Nahid

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam urged for former Chief Adviser to the interim government Dr Muhammad Yunus to engage publicly on the issue of constitutional and institutional reforms, amid escalating political debate over the fate of key ordinances introduced by the interim administration.

Speaking to journalists on Saturday, upon his arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after performing Umrah in Saudi Arabia, Nahid Islam said the prevailing political situation was a matter of concern and alleged that the transition of power dynamics had been influenced in favour of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

He said, "We are concerned about the situation in the country. The interim government has handed power over to the BNP through engineering. Now the party is deciding to repeal the main ordinances. We also urge Dr Yunus to take to the field on the issue of reform. His government's advisers will also have to open their mouths on this." He added that the ordinances issued by the interim government should be swiftly converted into legislation to ensure legal continuity and institutional stability. "The ordinances issued by the interim government need to be quickly converted into laws. Otherwise, BNP may walk the path of dictatorship, which the people will not accept," he said.

Nahid Islam further alleged that the BNP had shown reluctance to accept several key legal and constitutional measures, including provisions related to a referendum and remedies concerning enforced disappearances. He argued that such legislative initiatives are essential for democratic accountability and institutional reform.

"If they are repealed, no one concerned will be able to avoid responsibility," he said, referring to the proposed withdrawal of the ordinances.

He also commented on the broader political mandate, stating that electoral arithmetic alone would not determine public legitimacy. "Even if BNP gets two thirds of the seats, the people are not with it. Because they have taken a stand against reforms," he told reporters.

Referring to the role of the interim administration, he added, "We brought the interim government to power on the blood of the people. They have disappointed us. Therefore, they will also have to take to the field to maintain whatever they have achieved." 

Nahid Islam also urged advisers of the interim government to engage directly in public discourse and accountability processes rather than remaining within administrative confines.

At the time, he expressed full support for the ongoing protest programme of 11 political parties, stating that the movement reflects broader concerns over the direction of political and legal reforms.