‘If BNP assumes power, it won’t try AL for genocide’

National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain today said if BNP comes to power, the trial for the genocide committed during the 2024 mass uprising and the implementation of the July Charter would not take place.

Addressing a press conference at the party’s Banglamotor office in the evening, he alleged that recent remarks by BNP’s top leadership clearly indicate the party’s stance.

“The BNP chief has said in a recent interview that Sheikh Hasina’s children could enter politics if people want. This proves that if BNP assumes power, it will not try the Awami League for genocide.”

Referring to BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman, he said allowing Hasina to do politics was a “historic mistake”.

“That mistake has cost the people of Bangladesh for decades. Even Khaleda Zia had to pay for it with her life. Yet, blinded by a desire for power, her son [Tarique] is now willing to give the Awami League space in politics,” Asif added.

The NCP spokesperson further said, “At this point, BNP coming to power and Awami League coming to power mean the same thing. BNP has already reached one kind of understanding with the Awami League.”

Asif also alleged that BNP has already betrayed the July Charter, despite signing it. “The issue of an upper house in parliament, as clearly stated in the July Charter, has been avoided in BNP’s election manifesto. Even if BNP comes to power, regardless of whether a referendum says ‘yes’ or ‘no’, they will not implement the July Charter.”

Warning of security risks ahead of the election, he alleged that some political parties are stockpiling weapons, which could be used on polling day and make the situation “dangerous”.

He urged the joint forces to launch an all-out drive to recover illegal arms.

Asif also complained of the absence of a level-playing field, alleging bias by the Election Commission. “Our candidates are being served show-cause notices over minor issues, while candidates of other parties openly violate the code of conduct without any action. This discriminatory attitude is destroying the level-playing field.”