Uprising leaders and BNP clash over the government's neutrality

Several prominent student leaders from the July Uprising, including two advisers to the interim government, strongly criticized BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam’s recent statement that a "neutral government" would be necessary for elections if the current interim administration fails to maintain impartiality. Nahid Islam, Information and Broadcasting Adviser, took to Facebook, claiming that Fakhrul’s comment alluded to the formation of a government similar to the one in 2007, following the 1/11 political crisis. "The emergence of Awami fascism came out of the 1/11 settlement. Fakhrul's statement points to the possibility of another 1/11-style government, continuing parliamentary majoritarianism, a submissive foreign policy, the lack of justice for enforced disappearances, murders, and the July massacre," Nahid wrote.

This marked the first time a July Uprising student leader specifically addressed a BNP leader by name. In an interview with BBC Bangla, Fakhrul argued, "If the interim government fails to remain neutral, it cannot hold the election. In that case, a neutral government would be required." He expressed concern that questions about neutrality could arise with the plans of some student leaders to establish a political party, adding that any participation of such student representatives in the government would compromise its neutrality. Fakhrul emphasized that political parties would not accept elections under those conditions.

Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, Youth and Sports Adviser, shared Nahid’s post, adding a brief comment: "There are things I can't say as part of the government, but it's also important to keep some matters undisclosed." In his own post, Asif emphasized that if any adviser wishes to engage in politics, they should step down from their position first. He also criticized political parties for interfering in government functions, including lobbying for appointments to key government roles.

Hasnat Abdullah, convener of Student Against Discrimination (SAD), Abdul Hannan Masud, SAD’s chief organizer, and Sarjis Alam, chief organizer of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, also shared Nahid’s post. Hasnat added in a separate post that the BNP seems willing to allow the Awami League to regain power but is opposed to students forming a new political party.

Fakhrul’s Reiteration

Fakhrul doubled down on his earlier comments about the government’s neutrality. Speaking at a discussion at the Jatiya Press Club, he explained, "I said that if the interim government can’t remain impartial, a neutral government will be needed during elections. The interim government has shown it cannot maintain neutrality on several fronts." He called for swift elections, following necessary reforms, and expressed concern that a delayed election could lead to manipulation by "evil forces."

Student Leaders’ Response

Nahid Islam, in a lengthy Facebook post, accused political leaders of plotting behind the scenes since August 5 to sideline student leaders. He described how many national figures were focused on forming a new government while students and the general public fought on the streets, with police violence escalating. Nahid emphasized that students had refused to engage in discussions with the military and had made their stance clear against any military rule or emergency measures. He also reiterated that students are the only force distinguishing the current government from the 1/11 regime, accusing the BNP of proposing a similar government disguised as a neutral one to secure power.

He further criticized the BNP for opposing key national reforms, including the removal of the president, constitutional changes, and the July proclamation. Nahid insisted that although students had made compromises in the interest of national stability, they would not back down from defending democratic values or the goals of the Uprising.