NCP preparing to form shadow cabinet as ‘watchdog’, says Asif Mahmud

He says the body will oversee government work and uphold transparency

The National Citizen Party (NCP) is preparing to form a shadow cabinet, according to party spokesperson and former interim government advisor Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain.

In a post on his Facebook page on Sunday, Asif, who also chairs the party’s central election management committee, said the proposed shadow cabinet would act as a watchdog over the government.

“We are preparing to form a shadow cabinet. It will work to ensure transparency and accountability and serve as a watchdog in overall activities,” he wrote.

A shadow cabinet is a feature of the Westminster parliamentary system, in which senior members of the main opposition party are assigned portfolios mirroring those of the government. The body scrutinises government ministers and policies.

The announcement comes after the 13th parliamentary election and referendum held on Feb 12.

The BNP secured an absolute majority with 209 seats in the 297 declared constituencies. The NCP contested the polls in alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami and won six seats.