Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed deep concern over the government’s requisition of buses from at least one district outside Dhaka for the participation of National Citizen Committee (NCC) and the Anti-Discrimination Movement representatives in the National Citizen Party's (NCP) inaugural event. The TIB condemned the authoritarian imitation in the requisitioning of transportation, calling it an abuse of power.

TIB also stated that the interim government cannot avoid responsibility for such power abuse and unethical practices at the inception of NCP.

In its statement, TIB urged NCP and its supporters to commit to avoiding such authoritarian practices under the banners of the "Second Republic" and "New Political Arrangement." The organization emphasized that any recurrence of such practices would be detrimental to the democratic process and public expectations for a better, more accountable governance.

Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, the Executive Director of TIB, stated on Saturday, March 1, that the formation of the new political party by students, which is rooted in the unprecedented sacrifices of students and the movement for a "New Bangladesh," could be a significant milestone in the post-authoritarian era. He stressed that the people have high expectations from the new politics, which should be free from the misuse of power.

TIB urged NCP to treat the requisition of buses as a "red alert" and to avoid such self-destr uctive actions in the future. The organization also called for the new political party to distance itself from any recurrence of power abuse.

Dr. Iftekharuzzaman mentioned that the new political party, led by students and dedicated to the spirit of anti-discrimination, holds the potential to break free from the national captivity caused by zero-sum politics and power misuse, and to promote democratic practices. However, he warned that repeating authoritarian or power-abusing behavior would damage the public perception of the new leadership and hinder the development of accountable, democratic governance in Bangladesh.

The Executive Director further emphasized that the interim government should refrain from providing any political support to any party or group at all levels.