Former adviser to the interim government Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyan, who is now the spokesperson of the National Citizen Party, on Thursday alleged that a ‘deep state’ had devised a strategy to keep the interim government in power until 2029.

He said that during the early days of their tenure in the interim government, they were approached by certain powerful institutions—referred to as the ‘deep state’—with an offer.

The NCP leader said that they were told to complete the remaining period of the ousted prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, until 2029, and those actors assured them of their support for the interim government.

He made the remarks at a special discussion titled ‘From Blood-Stained Independence to Reform and Referendum: Political Duties for Implementation’, organised by NCP’s Dhaka south city unit at its central office in the capital’s Banglamotor area.

Asif said that the proposal came with specific conditions, including facilitating certain interests and following a roadmap prepared by those actors.

He claimed that the plan included prolonging legal cases against leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party through the courts so that they would be unable to contest elections.

He added that BNP leader Tarique Rahman had convictions, and if those remained in place, he would not be able to contest elections.

‘They laid out a full strategy for us on how to stay in power by reaching an understanding with them. But we did not agree with them,’ he said.

He said that the interim government remained committed to democracy and ensured that elections were not questioned.

‘We voluntarily stepped down to ensure a credible election,’ he said.

Asif, however, criticised the BNP-led government for appointing two individuals who held important roles in the previous administration to ministerial positions, despite earlier demands for their resignation in the name of ensuring a level playing field.