NCP Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam today warned that the people would be forced to launch a mass uprising if the government fails to implement the July Charter in accordance with the mandate of the recent referendum.
Addressing a divisional rally of the 11-party alliance in Barisal, he said while the opposition does not currently wish to announce harsh programmes, the government’s actions are increasingly pushing the country toward such a situation.
The rally was organised to demand the implementation of referendum results, relief from public suffering, control of commodity prices, and overall development of the neglected southern region, including its communication infrastructure.
Criticising the prime minister (PM), Nahid alleged that his actions contradict his promises.
He said although the PM campaigned for the referendum, he has failed to implement the July Charter despite a 70 per cent ‘yes’ vote from the public. “The prime minister speaks sweet words, but there is deception in his heart,” he said. He also directed the slogan “Natok kom koro priyo” [do less drama, dear] toward Tarique Rahman.
Nahid further described BNP as an “anti-democratic” entity, alleging that the party only joined the mass uprising to seize power. He said BNP no longer speaks of change or their previous “31-point” reform agenda, the first point of which was the formation of a constitutional reform commission.
Characterising the government’s current attempts at constitutional amendment as a “farce”, he said such actions are what led Sheikh Hasina to her current situation in Delhi.
Highlighting the lack of employment in Barisal, Nahid said locals are forced to struggle in Dhaka due to a lack of opportunities. He alleged that over the last five months, the only “employment” generated has been for extortionists and members of Chhatra Dal and Jubo Dal.
He called upon those who participated in the ‘24 mass uprising to unite for the sake of national sovereignty, border security, electricity, and the elimination of corruption and extortion.
Nahid paid tribute to private university students for their pivotal role in the movement. He recalled that on Saturday, when public universities were shut down, private university students took to the streets, transforming the quota movement into a revolution. “We vow to build the Bangladesh our martyrs dreamed of,” he added.
The rally was attended by Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman as the chief guest.
Other special guests included NCP Senior Joint Convener Ariful Islam Adib, Jatiya Narishakti Member Secretary Mahmuda Mitu MP, and NPP Barisal divisional organising secretary Mujahidul Islam Shahin, alongside other central and regional leaders of the 11-party alliance.
