A key Bangladeshi social gathering chief on the forefront of the revolt that ousted premier Sheikh Hasina warned on Saturday that an army-backed management may exchange the interim authorities.
Nahid Islam, chief of the National Citizen Party (NCP) made up of many college students who spearheaded the rebellion that ended Hasina’s 15-year iron-fisted rule final 12 months, mentioned he frightened about an “anti-democratic” future.
Muhammad Yunus, the 84-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner main the caretaker authorities till elections are held, has referred to as for rival political events jostling for energy to offer him their full help.
Bangladesh has a protracted historical past of coups, and the military retains a strong function.
Islam, an ally of Yunus who beforehand served in his cupboard, advised reporters on Saturday that he foresaw a scenario just like January 11, 2007, when a state of emergency was declared leading to a two-year-long military-backed authorities.
“There are indications that a 1/11-style military-backed government could re-emerge — one that is anti-democratic and anti-people,” Islam mentioned.
– ‘Should not intervene’ –
Bangladesh’s political disaster escalated this week as rival events protested with competing calls for.
Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman mentioned this week elections ought to be held by December, Dhaka’s newspapers reported, aligning with the calls for of the highly effective Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
But Islam mentioned that the army’s function was “to ensure national security”, and to not become involved in politics.
“While the military is an essential institution for state security, it should not interfere in political affairs,” he mentioned.
Yunus has mentioned elections may come as early as December however holding them later — on the newest by June 2026 — would permit extra time for democratic reforms he says are wanted.
Islam mentioned it was for these reforms that college students launched their protests final 12 months, however that Yunus advised him throughout a gathering on Thursday that the stress placed on him had annoyed him.
“He assumed office to bring about fundamental change. People expect to see trials, reforms, and a peaceful transition of power. Under the current circumstances, he feels he cannot deliver to those expectations,” Islam mentioned.
“There is a real fear that elections may not be free and fair but instead heavily restricted.”
Source: www.anews.com.tr