Jamaat, NCP criticise Khalilur's appointment

Leaders of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and the NCP on Tuesday questioned the inclusion of Dr Khalilur Rahman in the new cabinet, saying the appointment of a member of the former interim government was "not fair".
Referring to the appointment of Dr Khalilur Rahman, who served as national security adviser in the Yunus-led interim government, Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dr Shafiqur Rahman and NCP chief Nahid Islam on Tuesday said that inclusion of a member of the interim administration in the cabinet was "not fair".
Mr Khalilur has been included in the new Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) cabinet as foreign minister in the 'technocrat' quota.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday after the swearing-in ceremony of the new government, Dr Shafiqur said: "If the government takes initiatives in favour of the country and its people, it will receive our cooperation. But if it acts against the public interest, we will build protest and resistance."
Rahman also expressed dissatisfaction over the post-election process. "We could not pay proper tribute to the July martyrs. We did not become the ruling party - we have no regret about that. But as soon as the results were announced, the spirit of the election faded. The people of the country could not fully discharge their trust. The oath letters were issued deep at night - this is uncomfortable."
Referring to the political developments of July and the subsequent referendum, he said: "We have respected the aspirations of July and the verdict of the referendum. Not taking the oath as members of the Constitutional Reform Council goes against public expectations. It is contrary to reform. If the BNP truly respects public aspirations, it should take the oath of the Constitutional Reform Council. One cannot dishonour July and then sit in the seat of parliamentary dignity."
Rahman said his party wanted democracy to take institutional form in Bangladesh. "We want every citizen to feel secure and for employment to be created. Since election night, in different areas, men and women have been attacked for voting for us. This must stop. If the government plays a positive role, it will have our cooperation."
Nahid said the inclusion of Khalilur Rahman substantiated allegations of election engineering in the 12 February polls.

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