Dhaka, January 23, 2025 – A senior government adviser has responded sharply to BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir’s recent call for a neutral administration during upcoming elections, suggesting that the party’s demand points to the possible re-establishment of a government similar to the controversial 1/11 administration.
In a statement posted on his verified Facebook page, Md Nahid Islam, Adviser for Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, criticized Fakhrul’s comments, claiming they hinted at the formation of another 1/11-style government that introduced fascist policies to Bangladesh.
Fakhrul had earlier raised concerns about the neutrality of the current interim government, stating that it had failed to maintain impartiality in certain cases. Speaking at a program at the National Press Club in Dhaka, Fakhrul argued that if the interim administration continued to fall short of neutrality, a completely neutral government would be required to oversee the elections.
In response, Nahid Islam accused the BNP of advocating for a government that would be submissive to foreign interests and absolve individuals responsible for past acts of violence, including the infamous July-August massacre. He suggested that Fakhrul’s remarks echoed efforts that began on August 5, during the student-led protests against the then-government, which ultimately culminated in the 1/11 military-backed administration.
“We witnessed a time when, on one side, students and ordinary people were risking their lives on the streets, while on the other, a group of political leaders were meeting in the cantonment to form a new government,” Nahid said. “Despite repeated invitations to join these meetings, we chose to stand firm, rejecting the call for an army-led administration.”
He recalled the pivotal meeting at Bangabhaban, where a proposal was made to form a national government headed by economist Prof. Yunus. Nahid added that several anti-fascist political parties and civil society platforms were involved in the discussions, but the BNP had refused to support the initiative, fearing that such a government could become a long-lasting solution and diminish their political power.
Had the national government been formed, Nahid suggested, there may not have been a need for the interim government or the eventual 1/11 administration that followed. His remarks reflect ongoing tensions between the ruling government and the BNP, as both parties continue to navigate the political landscape ahead of the next general elections.
Context of 1/11
The 1/11 event refers to the January 11, 2007, military-backed caretaker government, which took power after months of political unrest and violence. The administration was marked by its strong actions against political leaders and activists, leading to accusations of authoritarian rule. Many in Bangladesh continue to view the 1/11 period as a turning point in the country’s political history, with both the army and political elites playing significant roles in the formation of the caretaker government.