Leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP) on Wednesday alleged that the ruling administration is showing signs of growing executive overreach and retreating from reform commitments, warning of a gradual shift towards a more centralised and restrictive governance framework.
The remarks came at a roundtable titled "The Politics of Cancelling Ordinances and Denying Referendums: Bangladesh in the Age of Parliamentary Autocracy", held at the National Press Club in Dhaka.
NCP leaders expressed concern over recent developments affecting judicial independence, freedom of expression, and institutional accountability.
NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan said that within a short period of assuming office, the government has demonstrated "clear signs of repressive tendencies," adding, "We have seen how the Awami League gradually reached this stage. But the BNP is moving towards that position very quickly."
Referring to the judiciary, he noted, "Show-cause notices have been issued to 28 judges because of internal discussions in a WhatsApp group that the government did not approve. Through these notices, they are being warned not to give verdicts against the government's wishes. Officials cannot even discuss matters internally without government approval."
On freedom of expression, he said, "We are seeing arrests again for Facebook posts, similar to incidents two years ago. A joint member secretary of our party has already been arrested, mostly for writing about the Prime Minister. If criticism is prohibited, the government should say so openly or pass a law."
Criticising the repeal of key ordinances, Asif added, "After the 2024 uprising, structural reforms were underway. Now we are moving backward, unable to implement even compromised versions of reform."
He further alleged that the current parliamentary configuration has weakened legislative oversight. "With a two-thirds majority, this parliament has become ineffective. Members may speak, but nothing is implemented. As the opposition, we are compelled to take to the streets."
On the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Asif noted, "Although the interim government restored the ACC's power to file cases directly, it is now being curtailed again, effectively allowing the accused to influence the process." He also criticised the restructuring of the ACC selection committee for limiting government representation.
Regarding police reform, he said, "The government does not want the police commission to have authority in appointing the inspector general of police, undermining efforts to depoliticise the force."
NCP joint convener Monira Sharmin added, "We are quickly returning to a situation where speaking against authority invites punishment. The government is consolidating power in a way that risks reducing citizens to passive actors."
NCP leaders also alleged that ordinances strengthening executive authority are being retained, while those ensuring accountability are being withdrawn. "This is not the Bangladesh of 2006. Political consciousness has transformed, and the government must recognise that reality," they said.
