BNP Is the One Keeping the Government Afloat: Masud Kamal

Journalist and political analyst Masud Kamal has asserted that it is, in fact, the BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) that is sustaining the current government. He made the remarks while participating in a talk show aired on a private television channel recently.

He stated:

“I believe this government is being kept in place by BNP. If BNP were to say tomorrow that they are no longer aligned with this government—even if they just make that statement—they wouldn’t even need to take to the streets. Just that declaration would be enough, and the government wouldn’t survive even ten days.”

Masud Kamal criticised BNP’s political conduct, suggesting they are being manipulated and lack a firm stance:

“Just look at it—who is really keeping this government stable? Whenever Dr Muhammad Yunus senses the ground is shifting beneath the government’s feet, he immediately calls on BNP for a friendly chat. First, it was coffee; now, apparently, they’ve moved on to juice. BNP happily joins, as if it’s a formal dialogue. Then they come out and say, ‘We are not satisfied.’ But tell me—what should BNP really have done?”

On BNP’s Accountability to the People

Kamal continued:

“BNP is a party of the people. Dr Yunus has no direct accountability to the public, but BNP does. It must operate based on the will of the people. BNP cannot exist in isolation from public sentiment.”

He accused the party of strategic miscalculations:

“BNP made a mistake at the very start of their movement. Initially, they said, ‘Not a day beyond 31st December for elections.’ Yet they shifted to February. Who did they consult to make that decision? Did they discuss it with the public? Because the people had already agreed with the original deadline. So, why change the demand?”

Public Sentiment and Survey Findings

Masud Kamal referred to a poll conducted on his website, stating:

“I conducted a survey on my site, where 70,000 people voted. In a country of 180 million, this still says something. The survey showed people wanted elections in December, not February.”

He questioned:

“Did BNP offer any explanation for changing their demand? Did they cite Ramadan, or the winter weather, or was there some special strategy? The public deserves an explanation.”

Call for Strategic Consistency and Respect for Public Sentiment

According to Kamal, BNP should have maintained consistency in their movement and demonstrated respect for the people’s expectations. He stressed:

“Instead of retreating from the anti-government movement, BNP should have remained firm and unwavering, aligned with the public mood. That is what was required.”

Criticisms by Masud Kamal

Kamal’s remarks underscore a broader critique of the opposition’s strategy, suggesting that their missteps and lack of alignment with the public are indirectly aiding the government’s longevity.