Political and Constitutional Crisis Has Emerged in the Country: Nahid Islam

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Chief Whip of the opposition in Parliament Nahid Islam has said a political and constitutional crisis has emerged in the country. He made the remarks on Sunday afternoon after a meeting of 11 political parties at the residence of the opposition leader on Mintu Road. The meeting discussed the recent political situation, including the presidential election. Questioning the BNP’s past political role, Nahid Islam said the party had tried at different times to retain power during transitions of power, resulting in political and constitutional crises. He said the 11 parties had decided to field a joint candidate in the presidential election and would participate unitedly, nominating LDP Chairman Col. (retd.) Oli Ahmed as their common candidate.

Referring to former President Mohammed Shahabuddin, Nahid Islam said the 11 parties had demanded from the first day of the first parliamentary session that he be removed and a new president appointed in accordance with the July Charter. However, he said Shahabuddin had been kept in office for another six months. Nahid alleged that efforts were being made to give the former president a “free exit” without bringing him under any form of judicial process. He also questioned why his tenure had been extended by another six months and whether there was any political plan behind the decision.