Nahid Islam, National Citizen Party (NCP) convener and opposition chief whip, has warned that the public may be forced to return to the streets if a Reform Council is not established within a stipulated timeframe.
Addressing NCP divisional activists in Barishal, Islam stated that the public, who voted in favour of reforms to protect their rights, must be prepared for renewed protests if the government fails to take initiatives or form the council by the parliamentary session on the 12th.
While the NCP secured six seats in the recent elections, Islam claimed the party’s expectations were higher, alleging that “engineering” and “rigging” led to the defeat of certain candidates. He specifically cited Nasiruddin Patwari, Sarjis Alam, and Ahad from Dinajpur as direct examples of candidates whose results were allegedly manipulated.
Islam further accused the ruling administration of breaking promises made after forming the government and attempting to politicise various state institutions.
“Today, attempts are being made to politicise institutions like the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC),” he said, adding that a culture has emerged where individuals face legal action for identifying extortionists.
He warned that if legal cases are filed against Nasiruddin Patwari, “hundreds of Nasiruddin Patwaris” would emerge across the country to resist extortionists. Islam also highlighted a growing fuel crisis, alleging that petrol at pumps is being restricted primarily to government and administration officials.
Regarding judiciary, the NCP convener questioned the integrity of the legal process, noting the replacement of the Tribunal’s chief prosecutor. He alleged that the appointment of a “partisan” and “unqualified” individual was an attempt to make the trial process questionable.
Islam asserted that while the NCP intends to maintain a democratic role both in parliament and on the streets, it would resort to the “tactics of a mass uprising” if the government follows the “Awami style” of governance.
He concluded by urging party activists to prepare for the upcoming local government elections, vowing that the rigging witnessed during the national polls would not be allowed to repeat.
He called upon the youth to build organisational strength at every polling centre to resist corruption and extortion.
