Nahid Islam, an adviser to the interim government, thinks BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, by his demand for a neutral government, actually wants another controversial 1/11-styled government.

He said such a plan would go against democracy and national interests and that the students and the public would never accept it.

"This is also a conspiracy against BNP."

Nahid Islam, adviser to the information and ICT ministries, made these remarks in a post on his verified Facebook page this afternoon.

On Tuesday, in an interview with BBC Bangla, Fakhrul said if the interim government fails to be neutral, it cannot hold the election and that a neutral government would then be required.

Regarding the BNP leader's statement, Nahid Islam wrote, "It was from the settlement of 1/11 [installation of a military-backed caretaker government in 2007] that Awami fascism emerged. His [Fakhrul's] statement hints at the possibility of another 1/11 government, a continuation of parliamentary majoritarianism, submissive foreign policy, and absence of justice for enforced disappearances, murders, and the July massacre."

Nahid, a key leader of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, alleged that the plan to "minus" students and the leadership of the uprising began on August 5.

He said while students and people were fighting on the streets and police were continuing to open fire, many national leaders willing to bend were busy in the cantonment planning a new government, excluding the people (some of them spoke of the students).

"Since August 3, we have been saying that we will not accept any form of military rule or emergency. Although we were repeatedly asked to go to the cantonment, we refused to do so. Eventually, through discussions and bargaining at Bangabhaban, the decision was made to form an interim government led by Dr Yunus."

He said that they wanted a national government comprising anti-fascist political parties and civil society representatives.

"If a national government was formed, students might not have needed to join the government. BNP, however, did not agree to a national government, considering that such a government may be in power for a long term."

Nahid further said that a national government was needed shortly after the uprising, while the BNP is now speaking of forming a national government after the next election.

Even though this government is not a national government, all stakeholders of the movement have representation in it and are benefiting in various ways.

"For instance, the attorney general and former IGP (inspector general of police) were appointed on August 6 before the government was even formed, and they are actually pro-BNP. At various levels, pro-BNP individuals hold positions from top to bottom of the government. When you are speaking of neutrality, this reality should be kept in mind."

Nahid alleged that the BNP took stands against issues like the removal of the president, reforms, drafting a new constitution, and the July proclamation. "None of these were partisan demands of the students. Yet, for the sake of national stability, greater interests, and unity, students have repeatedly backtracked from their positions. But this does not mean that we will give an inch if there is any plan against democracy or aspirations of the uprising."

In India, major political parties have reached a consensus regarding Awami League, but in Bangladesh, even after so much bloodshed and crime, we have failed to unite on the Awami League issue.

"Alas, what state will we build with such 'national unity'!"

He said that it is easy to weaken Bangladesh because it is easy to divide.

"Many prominent persons in this country are ready to be sold out for a low price."

Nahid further said that he does not believe that the entire BNP supports this stance.

"A significant portion of BNP activists and supporters genuinely want implementation of the aspirations of the uprising. I urge BNP's patriotic and sacrificing leaders to choose the path of greater unity and solidarity with the student-people instead of opposing it."