FROM PAGE 3

amounted to “executive interference”, which he said contradicts the constitution and court rulings.

He warned that such trends could lead to “another form of fascism”.

He also criticised local government laws, alleging that institutions were being politicised through the appointment of administrators instead of elected representatives.

At the same briefing, Opposition Chief Whip and NCP Convener Nahid Islam said parliament has been “tainted” by the passage of laws through the scrapping of several key ordinances and ignoring objections.

He said several ordinances related to human rights, judicial independence, and judicial appointments were scrapped or altered despite the opposition’s “reasonable objections”.

“These laws were passed without satisfactory explanations,” Nahid said, adding that the move forced the opposition to stage the walkout.

Criticising by-elections in Sherpur and Bogura that were held yesterday, Shafiqur said the situation resembled past controversial polls and condemned reported violence. He also demanded justice and accountability.

However, he clarified that the opposition had not boycotted parliament. “We will return and speak for the people. If anything goes against public interest, we will protest again,” he said.

Meanwhile, NCP MP Hannan Masud alleged that opposition polling agents were driven out of centres in Bogura-6 and Sherpur-3 polls, with some injured.

“Even children were lined up to cast votes. This is pushing the country towards crisis again,” he said in the parliament.