Former Adviser Asif Claims “Deep State” Planned to Keep Interim Govt Until 2029

Dhaka: Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan, former adviser to the interim government and spokesperson of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has alleged that a so-called “deep state” had devised a strategy to keep the interim government in power until 2029. He made these remarks at a discussion titled “From Blood-Stained Independence to Reforms and Referendum: The Political Duty of Implementation”, organized by Dhaka Metropolitan South NCP at the party’s central office in Banglamotor on Thursday afternoon, marking Independence Day.

Asif said that during the early days of their tenure in government, they were approached by powerful institutions—referred to as the “deep state”—with an offer. “They told us: ‘Sheikh Hasina’s tenure runs until 2029. You complete that term, and we will support you,’” he stated.

He added that the proposal came with specific conditions, including facilitating certain interests and following a roadmap designed to keep opposition figures—particularly from the BNP—out of elections.

According to him, the plan involved prolonging legal cases against BNP leaders so they would remain ineligible to contest elections. “If their sentences were not overturned, they would not be able to participate even if elections were held,” he said, mentioning Tarique Rahman as an example.

Asif claimed that a full strategy had been presented to them on how to remain in power through compromise, but emphasized, “We did not agree to it.”

He also accused large corporations of hoarding fuel, alleging that parts of the BNP were involved in such syndicates. Drawing from his experience in the previous government’s purchasing committee, he questioned how a crisis could emerge within a month when reserves were supposed to last two months, suggesting involvement of individuals close to the government.

Criticizing BNP further, he alleged that the party had appointed its loyalists as administrators in various institutions, undermining democracy. “If those appointed as administrators later contest elections, what fairness remains for others?” he asked.

Asif maintained that their government remained committed to democracy and ensured elections were held fairly. “To prevent any controversy, we voluntarily resigned before the election,” he said. However, he criticized the current government for appointing two key figures from the previous administration to ministerial positions, despite earlier demands for resignations to ensure a level playing field.

NCP Joint Convener Sarwar Tushar also spoke at the event, criticizing how the study of history in Bangladesh remains confined to narrow debates—particularly over who declared independence first. He emphasized that true history encompasses the broader struggles, sacrifices, and contributions of the people. “Unfortunately, the narrative of history changes with every change in government,” he said.

Tushar expressed disappointment that despite hopes for reform following recent mass uprisings, political parties are still failing to honor their commitments to the public. He drew parallels with unimplemented reform proposals following the 1990 political transition, suggesting a similar pattern continues today.