No chance of caretaker government before referendum: Nahid Islam
NN ONLINE:
National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam today said there is no possibility for a caretaker government before the referendum, emphasizing that the issue is attached to the July Charter and will only be decided after the referendum.
“The consensus commission has already discussed how a caretaker government would be formed… the issue of a ‘Note of Dissent’ is included there, so the caretaker government will come into effect only after the referendum. At this stage, there is no real opportunity for a caretaker government,” said Nahid. Nahid told journalists following a meeting with Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus this evening at the State Guest House, Jamuna.
Speaking about the July Charter, Nahid Islam said, “They (Consensus Commission) have called us to sign, and they will consider our concerns. Once the consensus commission makes recommendations, the advisory council will take a decision accordingly.”
Nahid said, “We do not believe in the Charter merely as a paper document. We will consider signing only after assurances on its implementation. Since the signing ceremony of the July Charter was held without our participation, we have conveyed our position to the government and the consensus commission.”
NCP has proposed issuing a constitutional order to ensure the implementation of the charter, to be proclaimed by the Chief Adviser himself. “Because the sovereign power of the people, as expressed through the July Uprising, is now vested in Muhammad Yunus – not in the president,” said Nahid.
On the issue of the trial of the July massacre, NCP Convener Nahid Islam said, “One of the major topics we discussed today was the trial of the July genocide. We have seen that several military personnel have been brought to court under charges related to crimes against humanity at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). We welcome this step and thank both the government and the tribunal for advancing justice.”
Nahid, however, raised concerns about other related cases across the country, saying, “Besides ICT, there are numerous cases filed by families of martyrs and victims. We are seeing in newspapers that accused individuals are being released on bail and threatening the families of martyrs and survivors.” “We have demanded a roadmap for justice and the safety of the affected families. This roadmap should be announced before the election,” said Nahid.
Commenting on the upcoming election preparations, he said free and fair elections are ultimately the government’s responsibility. “We expect the government to ensure a level playing field and a neutral environment to guarantee credible elections,” said Nahid.
The NCP delegation led by Nahid Islam met Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus around 5:00pm. The delegation included NCP Joint Conveners Samanta Sharmin and Khaled Saifullah and Chief Organiser (North) Sarjis Alam.