NCP Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam has warned that “parliament and the streets may become one” if necessary, escalating political tensions over demands for implementing a referendum result.
He made the remarks on Friday at a mass rally held at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka, organised by Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, which is pressing for implementation of what it calls the “public mandate” of a referendum.
Speaking as a special guest, Nahid Islam claimed that attempts were made to prevent Mamunul Haque from entering parliament through political tactics, but said such efforts would not stop him on the streets.
“We are in parliament to speak about implementing the July Charter and the referendum. On the streets are Mamunul Haque and Nasiruddin Patwary,” he said. “If necessary, parliament and the streets will become one.”
He also criticised the government, saying citizens are facing difficulties due to rising prices, fuel shortages, and ongoing health concerns, including a measles outbreak. He said opposition parties were trying to act responsibly and even cooperate with the government, but accused it of repeatedly breaking commitments.
Nahid Islam alleged that state institutions, including universities and the judiciary, are being politicised and that force is being used to suppress dissent. He warned that such actions would not be accepted by the public.
Reiterating his demand, he said the movement would continue until the government accepts the referendum result. “If the verdict is rejected through numerical strength or force, the consequences will be similar to past authoritarian practices,” he said.
The rally was attended by leaders of 11-party alliance, including Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Ameer Maulana Mamunul Haque, LDP Chairman Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmed, and NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, among others.
