Opposition lawmaker and Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Finance member Hasnat Abdullah has alleged that the BNP is planning to introduce a new formula to establish a one-party-controlled caretaker government similar to the system used in 2006.

He also accused the party of potentially resorting to what he described as a deceptive new arrangement and using religious sentiment for political purposes.

Hasnat made the remarks while speaking to reporters after a meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Finance at the National Parliament on Sunday.

He alleged that, similar to the Awami League government, the BNP government was also attempting to hand over the banking sector to oligarchic groups.

Hasnat stated that the government was forced to repeal Section 18(a) of the Bank Resolution Act, 2026, under pressure from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

He stated that he had raised objections during the committee meeting regarding a proposal to allocate Tk20,000 crore in loans to distressed industries. He warned that distributing these loans through Bangladesh Bank rather than commercial banks could create opportunities for political influence and raise concerns that businesses aligned with the BNP might benefit.

Hasnat also stated that private-sector credit growth had dropped to a record low, which has limited employment opportunities. Furthermore, he called for stricter measures to prevent loan defaulters from securing fresh loans.

He further alleged that the BNP had taken a “dual position” on the referendum, which he said had eroded public confidence in the party.

Meanwhile, committee member Saiful Alam Milon stated that the government, including the finance minister, had responded positively to proposals raised by the opposition.

He said the proposals would be discussed at the committee’s next meeting.

Milon also called for the issues, including the government’s position on the July Charter and the note of dissent, to be placed before parliament.

Referring to the home minister’s statement in parliament describing the July Charter as an “endless document of deception,” Milon stated that the public would judge the matter if individuals who signed the document now characterized it as deceptive.

He added that he did not want to engage in what he termed a meaningless debate.

Why it matters

The allegations highlight ongoing political friction and concerns over financial sector transparency and economic governance in Bangladesh.