Jamaat-BNP-NCP Now Enjoying Taste of Power: Masud Kamal

Senior journalist and political analyst Masud Kamal has made scathing remarks regarding field-level extortion by the BNP, administrative dominance of Jamaat-e-Islami, and lobbying-driven politics of the Nationalist Citizen Party (NCP).

Speaking on a recent talk show aired on a private television channel, Masud Kamal stated:

“At a minimum, 90 per cent of extortion on the ground is carried out by BNP, and it continues to this day. However, within the administration, Jamaat’s position is the strongest. Jamaat and BNP are equally entrenched in the bureaucracy, while NCP is expanding from the top – purely through lobbying.”

He went on to assert:

“Even now, individuals loyal to Jamaat-BNP occupy many important posts. If BNP comes to power in the future, will there be no one from Jamaat? None from NCP? Will they then be unable to swagger into the Secretariat with impunity?”

Power Distribution Among Groups (According to Masud Kamal)

Masud Kamal further commented on the organisational strength of Jamaat, contrasting it with the perceived hollowness of the NCP:

“Jamaat still has a pillar – they have a functioning organisation and a base. But what does NCP have? Just Dr Yunus? And now Dr Yunus appears crushed by sorrow over the February election, as if everything is lost!”

On media restrictions, he alleged:

“Today, even journalists are unable to enter the Secretariat. But NCP affiliates and so-called anti-discrimination activists are moving freely inside. Why are they there? Many journalists have had their accreditation cards revoked to keep these activities hidden.”

He also criticised the perceived behind-the-scenes access to power:

“NCP and Jamaat have realised they cannot come to power through popular vote. The people of this country are not yet willing to elect them. So, they’re now savouring power through the backdoor.”

Masud Kamal questioned the political audacity shown by these groups, citing a recent incident:

“Where did they get the courage to hang portraits of war criminals at TSC yesterday? That courage comes from their current share in power. If BNP returns to power, will they still enjoy this privilege? The Jamaat loyalists who are now occupying positions—even as university vice-chancellors—will they remain in place? You won’t even see the current VC of Dhaka University by March.”

He concluded by suggesting that the administrative dominance and infiltration currently visible will vanish with any future change in power:

“This current access of NCP and Jamaat to the Secretariat will not continue under a new regime,” he said, ending his remarks.