Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) spokesperson and former adviser to the interim government Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan claimed on Thursday that powerful institutions, which he described as “deep state,” had offered the interim government an arrangement to remain in power until 2029.

“We were approached early in our tenure by various influential institutions, known as deep state, with an offer: complete Sheikh Hasina’s current term and stay in power until 2029. They assured us of full support,” he said during a special discussion held at NCP central office in the capital on the occasion of Independence Day.

He added that the deep state had set several conditions, including facilitating certain individuals and structuring a strategy to extend BNP leaders’ sentences.

“They presented a roadmap. Even if elections were held, those with ongoing sentences, including Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, could not participate. They planned to manipulate court dates to prolong punishments. They had designed a complete strategy for staying in power, based on a form of negotiation with us. We did not agree to it,” he said.

Asif Mahmud emphasized that the interim government had only sought a free and fair election. To avoid any questions about electoral legitimacy, they voluntarily resigned from the government.

“We observed that two key officials from the previous government now hold ministerial positions in the current administration. Despite demanding our resignation at the time, the government later appointed them, undermining the level playing field of the election,” he added.

He further stated that accepting the deep state’s proposal would have allowed them to claim constitutional continuity, effectively justifying the government’s stay until 2029. “We refused that compromise,” he said.

The discussion was also attended by NCP Joint Convenor Sarwar Tushar and Jatiya Jubo Shakti chief Tarikul Islam, among others.