NCP Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam on Saturday said the prime minister was “upset” over criticism from the opposition.
Speaking as a special guest at a grand rally of an 11-party alliance at the historic Laldighi Maidan in Chattogram city on Saturday afternoon, he said the opposition had wanted to praise the government’s positive initiatives, but this was not possible due to continued corruption and alleged looting.
He said it was not clear how much of the recently announced budget had been allocated for public development, alleging that it had created scope for partisan spending.
Nahid Islam said that although the government has been presenting various aspirations to the public, it would ultimately fail to implement them. He further said the implementation of the budget would increase the country’s dependence on foreign loans, without bringing any real improvement to the economic condition of ordinary citizens.
Criticising the power sector, he said electricity prices had been increased “unprecedentedly”, while the supply situation in rural areas remained unstable.
He said meaningful change in the country would require the formation of a government based on public mandate through a referendum, along with reforms to state institutions, including the police.
Referring to an incident in Chattogram in which a national cricket team player was allegedly assaulted, he claimed that law enforcement had failed to take effective action.
Expressing concern over border killings, he said sustainable friendship with neighbouring countries would not be possible if such incidents continued.
Nahid Islam called for ensuring accountability of MPs and ministers and urged that the general public be brought back into active political participation.
The rally was also addressed by opposition leader Shafiqur Rahman and other leaders of the 11-party alliance.
