NCP Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam on Saturday said no government in Bangladesh’s history has become as unpopular within such a short period as the current administration.
He made the remarks at a rally organised by Jamaat-e-Islami at Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital, demanding implementation of the July Charter in line with a proposed public referendum.
The rally was attended by family members of those killed in the July mass uprising and several thousand injured participants from across the country.
In his address, Nahid Islam said the July uprising had raised hopes for change, with people vowing not to allow a return to authoritarian rule. He alleged that BNP had obstructed reform efforts from the beginning.
“Even after joining the consensus commission, they submitted dissenting views on key reform proposals,” he said.
He further alleged that although BNP had initially agreed to a referendum, it later began to reject the idea following the election. “A party born through a referendum is now denying it, effectively questioning its own origins,” he added.
Warning against what he described as a return to past political practices, Nahid Islam accused the BNP of politicising state institutions and following the path of the Awami League.
“If BNP attempts to take the country back towards authoritarianism, the people and the youth will once again take to the streets,” he said.
Nahid Islam alleged that the BNP is attempting to mislead the public through initiatives such as “family cards” and “farmer cards.” He claimed that these programmes are being used to create an impression of public relief, while the government has already exhausted its capacity to sustain such measures. He also said that despite these realities, ministers continue to deny any fuel shortage in parliament.
He further accused the authorities of ignoring ground realities, including worsening economic conditions and a gradual deterioration in law and order across the country.
“We were ready to cooperate in the national interest, but the government has closed all avenues for dialogue,” he said.
Expressing concern over the administration’s popularity, Nahid Islam said he was unaware of any government in Bangladesh becoming so unpopular within such a short time. However, he added that his party does not seek instability.
“Our demand is clear – implementation of the July Charter based on the referendum, and due respect for the July uprising and the families of those killed,” he said.
Leaders from several political parties also addressed the rally, including Shafiqur Rahman, Oli Ahmad, and Mamunul Haque.
Leaders of 11-party alliance, including Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman, Liberal Democratic Party Chairman Oli Ahmed, and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Ameer Maulana Mamunul Haque, also addressed the rally.
