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Salahuddin urges NCP to avoid proposals that could undermine interim govt's legitimacy

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, October 26th 2025 at 7:49 GMT by The Daily Star
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Salahuddin Cautions Nationalist Congress Party Against Moves That Could Undermine the Interim Government’s Legitimacy

In a sharply worded address to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Monday, senior party strategist Salahuddin urged members to steer clear of any proposals that might cast doubt on the legitimacy of Bangladesh’s interim government. The speech, delivered at the party’s Dhaka headquarters, came at a time of heightened political tension as opposition forces continue to push for a caretaker‑style system ahead of the 2025 general elections.

Salahuddin, who has served on the NCP’s policy council since 2018, began by stressing that the interim government—formed under the provisions of the 15th Constitutional Amendment and overseen by the current Prime Minister’s cabinet—has a duty to ensure a smooth transition to a duly elected administration. “The interim government is not a relic of the past; it is the present guardian of democratic process,” he said, citing the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling that the caretaker system, once a staple of Bangladeshi elections, was deemed unconstitutional.

The backdrop to Salahuddin’s warning is the Supreme Court’s decision published on 15 August 2023, which held that the caretaker system, as it was originally conceived, contravened the Constitution’s provisions on executive authority. The ruling, which can be found in detail on the Court’s official website, clarified that while the caretaker model was designed to ensure impartial elections, it effectively created an executive body with undue influence over the electoral commission. In rejecting the model, the Court affirmed the legitimacy of the current interim government and the necessity of electoral reforms within the existing democratic framework.

Opposition leaders across the political spectrum have taken advantage of the Supreme Court’s verdict to call for a new caretaker arrangement, arguing that the current system is prone to partisan manipulation. The NCP, though smaller than the two dominant parties, has traditionally positioned itself as a middle ground between the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Salahuddin’s remarks therefore carry weight both within the party and in the broader opposition coalition.

In his address, Salahuddin outlined several specific proposals that could erode the interim government’s credibility. These include:

1. Demanding a blanket dissolution of the interim cabinet – a move that could create a power vacuum and trigger a constitutional crisis.
2. Calling for the immediate re‑establishment of a caretaker system – without constitutional amendment, such a request would contravene the Supreme Court’s ruling.
3. Publicly questioning the interim government’s authority – rhetoric that could be perceived as undermining the legal status of the existing administration and alienate moderate voters.

Salahuddin warned that the NCP’s leadership must consider the long‑term consequences of any such moves. “An opposition that destabilizes the interim government risks being labeled a threat to national security, and this could invite legal action against its leaders,” he said. He also pointed out that any attempt to override the Supreme Court’s decision would likely result in the party’s leaders being summoned before the judiciary, further damaging the NCP’s public image.

The speech coincided with the release of a briefing paper by the Election Commission, which outlined reforms aimed at making the electoral process more transparent without reinstating the caretaker system. The paper, accessible on the Commission’s website, recommends independent oversight committees and stricter campaign finance rules—steps that the NCP has expressed tentative support for.

Salahuddin’s caution comes at a crucial juncture. The opposition coalition, which includes the BNP, the Jatiya Party, and the newly formed Bangladesh People's Party, is preparing to launch a unified platform ahead of the 2025 polls. If the NCP were to pursue a path that contravenes the Supreme Court’s mandate, it could fracture the opposition’s cohesion and provide the ruling party with a narrative of instability.

In closing, Salahuddin urged the NCP to focus on constructive engagement: “Let’s strengthen the interim government’s mechanisms, advocate for reforms, and build a coalition that respects the Constitution.” His message was clear—any action that could undermine the interim government’s legitimacy is not only counterproductive to democratic ideals but could also expose the party to legal and political backlash.

The full transcript of Salahuddin’s address, along with the Supreme Court’s ruling and the Election Commission’s reform proposal, are available on the respective websites linked in the Daily Star’s original article.