Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman on Monday said the National Citizen Party (NCP) was called a "king's party" as two of its allies are part of the interim government.
During a press conference at TIB's Dhanmondi office, he said this was as embarrassing for the government as it was for the king's party.
The event was organised to release a research report titled "One Year After the Fall of Authoritarian Government: Expectations and Reality".
According to their research report, certain political parties or so-called "King's Parties" have been formed under the patronage of the government.
When a journalist asked who these King's Parties were, Iftekharuzzaman replied, "We all know. It is nothing to be secretive about. The National Citizen Party is the one that is called the king's party. Two of the party's allies are with the government, and in that sense, [it is] called a king's party. Certainly, this is as embarrassing for the government as it is for those being called the king's party."
Asked about the environment surrounding the election, he said, "There now seems to be a rough timeline for the election, likely in February. Everyone is keeping their eyes on that. We hope that remains the case. The path won't be easy. It's hard to say there won't be political or other instability along the way. However, I firmly believe that there is no doubt we want an election.
"We hope that authoritarianism does not recur or grow again in Bangladesh. There is now a possibility of creating an environment that prevents such a return."
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