The recent launch of the National Citizens` Party (NCP), a new political group formed by student leaders of the July uprising, has stirred up controversy after it was revealed that five buses were requisitioned by the District Commissioner (DC) of Pirojpur for the event.
The use of government vehicles for the event raised questions about the interim government`s involvement.
At a press conference held on Saturday afternoon at the Foreign Service Academy, Shafiqul Alam, the Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, denied any role of the interim government in the requisition of the buses.
Responding to journalists` questions, he clarified, "There was no involvement of the interim government in the requisition of five buses by the Pirojpur DC office. The DC provided assistance to the families of those affected by the July uprising, but neither the DC office nor the government bore any costs."
The issue had earlier been raised by Nurul Haque Nuru, the president of the Gono Odhikar Porishod, during a press conference at the party`s central office in Dhaka.
He criticized the use of government vehicles to bring students and the public to the launch event, calling it "undesirable."
He said, "The use of government vehicles through the District Commissioner to bring students and the public to attend the launch of the new political party in Dhaka is undesirable."
Shafiqul Alam, addressing other concerns, also spoke about the government`s ongoing efforts to address rising prices of everyday products.
He emphasized that the government`s goal is to make essential goods more affordable.
"Compared to last Ramadan, the prices of daily essentials have decreased. The interim government’s goal is to make food prices affordable during the entire Ramadan," he said. "The government is focusing on oil imports and closely monitoring the soybean oil market."
On the topic of upcoming elections, Shafiqul Alam assured that the government is working to ensure a level playing field for all political parties.
"A roadmap for the election has been provided. However, the BNP is asking for a date. After some minor reforms, elections can take place in December, as was stated earlier," he explained.
In a related comment, Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar, Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, addressed the recent robbery incident in Pabna.
He stated that the media had exaggerated the situation, explaining, "The robbery occurred on five transport vehicles. The local police reached the scene within 10 minutes."
The incident at the NCP`s launch and the statements from government officials have sparked further debates about the use of state resources in political events and the government`s handling of the current political climate in the country.
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