Highlights
- NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan alleged that oil shortages are not natural but caused by deliberate stockpiling.
- He claimed Bangladesh should have had at least two months of fuel reserves.
- He accused powerful “deep state” institutions of offering political deals to stay in power until 2029.
- He also criticized the current government and BNP over election fairness and democratic practices.
Speaking at a discussion meeting at the NCP central office on Thursday marking Independence Day, Asif Mahmud claimed that the country’s oil shortage was created intentionally. He said,
“অবশ্যই সরকারের ঘনিষ্ঠ কেউ তেল মজুদ করছে।”
Translation: “Someone close to the government is definitely stockpiling oil.”
He said that during his time in the government’s purchasing committee, there were plans to maintain at least two months of fuel reserves, raising questions about how the situation deteriorated within a month.
Criticism of Administrative Appointments
Asif Mahmud also criticized what he described as politicized administrative appointments, alleging that people close to political parties were appointed as district and city administrators, which he said undermined democratic values and a fair electoral environment.
Claims of ‘Deep State’ Pressure and Political Offers
The former interim government adviser alleged that certain powerful institutions—whom he referred to as the “deep state”—had offered support for extending the previous government’s tenure until 2029 under certain conditions. He added,
“ডিপ স্টেট বলা হয়… শেখ হাসিনার যে মেয়াদ আছে ২০২৯ সাল পর্যন্ত আপনারা শেষ করেন… আমরা আপনাদের সহযোগিতা করব।”
Translation: “Those referred to as the deep state told us to complete Sheikh Hasina’s term until 2029, and they would support us.”
He claimed these offers included strategies to keep opposition leaders entangled in legal cases to prevent them from contesting elections. Asif Mahmud said that his administration refused to accept such proposals and instead prioritized holding elections to maintain democratic credibility.
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He also criticized BNP’s parliamentary committee for attempting to cancel reports related to enforced disappearances, claiming this showed a lack of commitment to justice. He warned that governments that ignore public opinion and democratic mandates eventually fall, citing historical examples from 1970 Pakistani general election, Bangladesh Liberation War, and the 1990 Mass Uprising in Bangladesh.
Call for Justice and Reform
Asif Mahmud emphasized that justice must be ensured for all incidents of violence following mass movements and said his party remained committed to carrying out trials through proper legal processes. He also warned that if the current government failed to implement promised reforms and ignored the will of the people, citizens might return to the streets in protest.
The remarks by Asif Mahmud highlight rising political tensions over fuel shortages, election legitimacy, and governance in Bangladesh. His allegations of oil stockpiling and deep-state interference add further controversy to the country’s already heated political climate.
Source: News 24
