NCP has no link with student advisers, says Nahid

The National Citizen Party (NCP) on Saturday clarified that interim government advisers Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan (Local Government) and Md. Mahfuj Alam (Information) had no ties with the party and were included in the cabinet solely as representatives of the supporters of the July-Aug mass uprising.

Speaking at an emergency press conference at the party's temporary central office at Banglamotor in the city, NCP convener Nahid Islam said the two advisers were not affiliated with the party, and attempts to associate them with the NCP were part of a smear campaign aimed at discrediting them.

"If they wish to engage in politics or elections, they cannot do so while holding advisory roles in the government. They would need to step down and act independently," Nahid said.

He stated, "We will say that this is very purposeful. We condemn and protest against the propaganda linking the two student advisers to the NCP."

Regarding a unified roadmap and July declaration, Nahid also emphasised the need for the head of the interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, to steer inclusive political dialogue and announce the July Declaration. "The roadmap for judicial reforms, political reforms, and elections should be published together," he said. Doing so would foster trust among citizens and political parties, he added.

Among those present at the press conference were NCP  member secretary Akhtar Hossain, NCP chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, senior joint conveners Samanta Sharmin and Ariful Islam Adib, and southern region organiser Hasnat Abdullah.

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