BNP-Jamaat rift helping Awami League regain ground: Patwary
National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary has said the ongoing conflict between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami is creating an opportunity for the Awami League to regain political ground.
He made the remarks at a discussion titled "July Charter: Farmers' Deprivation and the Question of Justice", organised by Jatiya Krishak Shakti at NCP's temporary central office in Dhaka's Banglamotor today.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. "On one side is Jamaat, and on the other, BNP. Amid their disputes, Chuppu [Mohammed Shahabuddin] remains president, and attempts are now being made to have him sign the July Charter. If that happens, it will be unfortunate for the people of Bangladesh," he said.
Patwary added, "On the other side, Sheikh Hasina is attempting to return to Bangladesh because of their disunity. If we fail to amend or reform the constitution now, the authoritarian structure of Sheikh Hasina's regime will keep trying to return."
Regarding the upcoming referendum, the NCP leader said the government and political parties should hold discussions to strengthen the Election Commission.
"Otherwise, if the referendum and national election are held on the same day, mismanagement by the EC could once again push the country into chaos," he warned.
Criticising what he termed double standards in politics, Patwary said, "A would-be head of state claims that potato prices are more important than the referendum, yet the person he nominates as an MP is exploiting farmers, increasing potato prices, and controlling syndicates."
"We call upon them to show decency and restraint. We will not take part in the politics of servitude or dynastic control. The attempt to enslave the people of Bangladesh will be resisted, and the young generation will unite against it," he added.
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