Press Release
Dhaka, 01 March 2025: Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed deep concern over the government's role in requisitioning of buses for the transport of representatives from the National Citizens Committee and the Anti-Discrimination Movement from at least one district outside Dhaka to attend the inauguration event of the new political party, the National Citizens Party (NCP). TIB notes that this action reflects an authoritarian approach and contradicts the spirit of a new political arrangement. TIB further states that such abuse of power and unethical conduct cannot be overlooked by the interim government at the inception of the NCP. On the other hand, the organization has called on the NCP and its leaders, supporters, and members at all levels to commit to avoiding such authoritarian practices under the banners of "Second Republic" and "New Political Arrangement."
In a statement today, TIB's Executive Director, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, stated, "The emergence of a new political party led by students, in the aftermath of unprecedented sacrifices by the student population in the 'New Bangladesh' movement, marks a significant milestone in a post-authoritarian Bangladesh. The youth leadership, inspired by the anti-discrimination spirit, holds immense promise for a new political approach that resonates with the public's expectations. However, as a precondition for fulfilling these expectations, the party must treat the act of requisitioning buses as a 'red alert' and refrain from repeating such self-destructive practices and behaviors."
Dr. Zaman further added, "This new political party, formed by students, has the potential to help the country break free from the national hostage situation caused by zero-sum politics, thus promoting positive democratic practices. Naturally, if the new leadership repeats authoritarian behaviors or abuses of power, it will create negative perceptions among the public and hinder the development of a democratic and accountable mindset in the 'New Bangladesh.'"
The TIB Executive Director believes that the new political party has the opportunity to play a pivotal role in changing the culture of authoritarianism, which has been entrenched through political dominance and unaccountable governance. The public expects the new political party to be the catalyst for this change. However, everything depends on how far the new party can stay away from the long-standing practices of power abuse in the country's politics, he added. He further emphasized, "The interim government's responsibility is to refrain from providing any form of patronage to any political group at any level."
Media Contact:
Mohammad Tauhidul Islam
Director, Outreach and Communication
Phone: +8801713107868
Email: tauhidul@ti-bangladesh.org
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