‘Prove in parliament where I committed corruption’: Nahid hits back at allegations

Opposition Chief Whip and National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam today (28 April) challenged the government to substantiate allegations of corruption against him during his tenure as an adviser in the interim government, saying any such claims must be proven in parliament.

“Where have I committed corruption? That must be proven in parliament,” Nahid said while responding to remarks made by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed during a parliamentary session.

He noted that he, along with the foreign minister and the law minister, had been associated with the interim government, and questioned the basis of corruption allegations against that administration.

“If the interim government committed corruption, the current government should prove it. Where and how I was involved in corruption must be disclosed,” he added.

Nahid, a first-time MP, also addressed remarks referring to him as a “junior” figure.

“I am 28 years old and a new member of parliament. Today is my birthday. I may be younger, but like everyone else here, I have been elected by the people. I did not come here as someone’s younger brother,” he said.

“I expect the respect that is due to a member of parliament,” he added.

Earlier, Shama Obaed had raised allegations of corruption during the tenure of the interim government and criticised the opposition’s stance of not thanking the president.

She also said that questioning the legitimacy of the president would imply that the interim government – of which several current opposition figures were part – was also illegitimate, adding that many “younger figures” involved in the July Uprising had links to that administration.