Zillur Rahman: NCP is fighting for power, detached from people

Senior journalist Zillur Rahman has lambasted the King’s party of the chief adviser, the National Citizen Party (NCP), for the arrogance and greed of its leaders, which gives the impression of an uncertain future.

He said in his latest video on Saturday that the cold war between the army and the government, the chief adviser’s UK tour, and speculations on his meeting with BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman imply the country is at a crucial juncture.

The NCP now needs to grow brave leadership, declare transparent programmes and strengthen people-to-people connections. If they cannot change themselves, they will remain detached from the people in the elections. He suggested that the NCP decide whether they will build a new Bangladesh or follow traditional politics.

Different political parties, including the BNP, have expressed reservations about the NCP, which was formed with top leaders of the July movement on February 28, under the patronage of the chief adviser.

Zillur Rahman is a popular host of the Tritiyo Matra talk show on Channel I and executive director of the Center for Governance Studies (CGS).

Even though he had supported the efforts of the US and Western countries for a regime change, Zillur soon felt obligated to start his own YouTube channel in post-August Bangladesh to speak his mind, considering the horrible state of affairs.

He posts one or two short videos containing his observations and suggestions as the country’s political tension, law and order, and economic condition are deteriorating.

Zillur Rahman said now they are limited to Facebook campaigns, shouting, and using force to materilaise their demands. The opportunistic culture of politics has returned. They are taking credit for the anti-quota movement and terming it planned and organised.

“The lifestyle, remarks, and activities of the leaders have frustrated people. Their iftar party at a 5-star hotel, a convoy of luxury cars, and derogatory posts on Facebook remind us of the previous political culture. They follow no principle but fight for power.”

He has observed that NCP convener Nahid Islam is active in Dhaka and on Facebook. Sarjis Alam’s showdown with over 100 cars questions the discipline of the party. Some of the leaders were issued show-cause notices, but that too came after public pressure. Their internal conflict has surfaced in the public sphere through Facebook posts.

The same day, another senior journalist who once supported the anti-Awami League movement, Masood Kamal said that Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus is dividing the nation and provoking a civil war by implementing his plans to hold elections in April, facilitate the Rakhine Corridor, and transfer the management of the Chittagong Port to a foreign company.

Analysing Yunus’ pre-Eid speeches, he said on Saturday that the chief adviser has exacerbated the division among his countrymen by delivering his address to the nation on Friday. 

According to the journalist, Yunus has defended his position regarding the port and corridor issues. He also criticised Yunus for nepotism in selecting the company to manage the Chittagong Port.

“Did he choose the company through an international competition? This is not a personal matter but a matter of the state,” said the journalist.

Yunus also used “dangerous words” to ask the people to resist those who do not support his plan. “He has provoked the people against the army, the BNP, and all but his 4-5 small parties, like Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan Bangladesh and the King’s party, NCP.

“You have triggered a war. Previously, your adviser Mahfuj Alam also warned about waging a civil war. Have you (Yunus) been put at the helm to wage a civil war?

“Who is supporting your timeframe for elections? Jamaat and NCP have supported you. Meanwhile, NCP has put conditions to go to elections: declaration of the July Charter and constituting the Election Commission.”

Masood Kamal also ridiculed the NCP, saying that while this party has not acquired party registration yet, they are calling for the resignation of the EC. “Where have they gotten so much confidence? You (Yunus)!

“The EC also does not have a backbone. It will comply whenever NCP demands anything. The EC agreed in principle that the Jamaat will get back its party symbol. How did the EC decide it in principle? Did they add scale into the list of symbols?

“The NCP will raise the demand for reconstituting the EC before the elections. And Yunus will evidently agree to the demand.”

All parties, including the BNP, have rejected Yunus’ election timeframe, Masood Kamal said. Moreover, holding the election in February is not practically possible due to the month-long Ramadan, Eid, and SSC and HSC exams.

“You have no idea about the education sector. It is not a big deal to you. Only Allah knows why you came to power. A generation is getting detached from studies. But the government does not bother. The students who passed HSC last year could not even start their university classes, though almost one year has already passed.

“You are busy with your port and humanitarian corridor. Do not do politics too much. You are not a politician and have not been a good performer yet.”

Rejecting the December deadline for polls and choosing April means the elections will not be held by October next year, Masood Kamal said. “You will show an excuse in the eleventh hour and defer the polls. Do not do this with the country, ordinary people and political parties. Do not do this politics.

“I do not know what charm these great people get by pitting people against people. We treat them as great men. I am not yet sure why there is pettiness among the great people.”

Yunus does not feel obligated to explain why the elections cannot be held by December. Rather, he defended his analysis by declaring polls in the first half of April. He did not take the public exams into consideration. He must clarify the basis of his analysis.

“People will not accept your words unless you clarify them. I will request these people not to make them more controversial,” the senior journalist concluded.