Patwari hits out at reform inaction

National Citizens Party (NCP) Chief Coordinator Naseeruddin Patwari has criticised what he described as delays in implementing reform proposals and raised concerns about the government’s approach to governance and public administration.

Speaking to journalists after visiting the historic Sixty Dome Mosque and the shrine of Hazrat Khanjahan (R) in Bagerhat, Patwari said the government should move more quickly to implement reforms that, he claimed, received overwhelming public support in a recent referendum.

“Seventy-five per cent of votes were cast in favour of reform in the referendum, but the government is dragging its feet on implementation,” he said. “We will continue to fight for that right to vote. On the question of reform, not an inch of concession will be given to the government.”

Patwari warned that ignoring public expectations regarding reform could have political consequences, adding that any government that fails to respond to popular demands risks losing public support.

The NCP leader also alleged that individuals linked to the Awami League were receiving favourable treatment and not being brought to justice, although he did not provide specific evidence to support the claim.

He further criticised recent appointments in public institutions, including universities, the civil administration and the banking sector, alleging that political loyalty had been prioritised over competence.

Referring to recent controversy surrounding local government matters in Bogura, Patwari claimed that “the development model of Gopalganj is now being replicated in Shibganj”.

He argued that if such practices continue, the vision of a discrimination-free Bangladesh sought by students and citizens during recent political movements would remain unrealised.

Patwari also accused the BNP of engaging in narrow political practices, particularly over the naming of newly created unions.

He argued that public institutions and local government entities should be named after individuals who lost their lives during the mass uprising rather than after relatives of political figures.

He suggested that unions could instead be named in honour of martyrs, including Shaheed Abu Sayed, Mugdho and others who were killed during the movement.

Criticising alleged nepotism in public contracting, Patwari said the public would reject any political culture perceived to favour family interests over broader public welfare.

During his visit, he also congratulated residents of Bagerhat on what he described as the end of the long-standing political dominance of the Sheikh family in the district.

Patwari further said that if the NCP is given the opportunity to form a government in the future, it would consider establishing a university in the name of Hazrat Khanjahan (R) in recognition of his historical and cultural significance to Bagerhat.

The remarks come amid ongoing political debate over governance reforms, public administration and local government policies, issues that are expected to remain central to the country’s political discourse in the coming months.