National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam has alleged that efforts are underway to take Bangladesh back towards one-party rule.
He made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing a roadside rally in Sakhipur upazila of Tangail as part of the party’s “July March” programme.
The programme aims to press for several key demands, including the implementation of the referendum verdict, creation of employment opportunities, resolution of the power crisis, control of essential commodity prices, and ensuring border security.
Addressing the rally, Nahid alleged that the country had previously witnessed one-party rule, where people were denied the right to speak freely and many faced enforced disappearances.
“Bangladesh is once again being taken towards one-party rule. We are not allowed to speak in Parliament. When we try to hold public meetings, bombs and cocktails are thrown at us,” he said.
He warned that those attempting to revive such a system should remember the fate of the Awami League.
“People did not sacrifice their lives to replace the looting of one party with that of another,” Nahid said, referring to the 2024 mass uprising.
He said young people had given their lives for change, adding that those sacrifices would lose their meaning if corruption, drug abuse and mismanagement continued.
“We removed one party from power so that another party could not engage in the same corruption and looting,” he said.
The NCP leader also alleged that a “case business” had emerged across the country after 5 August, with innocent people being implicated in lawsuits.
“Those responsible for crimes must face justice, but innocent people cannot be harassed. Extortion and looting will not be tolerated,” he said.
The rally was also addressed by NCP North Region Chief Organiser Sarjis Alam, Dhaka Division Organising Secretary Saifullah Haider, and NCP mayoral candidate for Sakhipur municipality Maulana Ansar Ali.
