National Citizen Party (NCP) convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam claimed that the public will no longer view Tarique Rahman as the torchbearer of nationalist politics of his parents – Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia, if he visits India or if the government compromises with the neighbouring country.
He made these remarks on Friday during a mass rally organised by the Dhaka Metropolitan South NCP at Shahid Faruk Road in Jatrabari.
NCP organised the rally to demand the implementation of referendum results, an end to abnormal price hikes of essential commodities – including oil, gas, and electricity – and cessation of extortion, land grabbing, deteriorating law and order situation, and suppression of the opposition.
Question of mandate and sovereignty
Nahid said the current government lacks a mandate unless it ensures necessary reforms and justice.
Referring to the press briefing given in Delhi by deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted in the student-led mass uprising on 5 August, he alleged that the briefing was an affront to Bangladesh’s sovereignty, democracy, and judiciary.
He criticised the current government for failing to provide an effective response beyond issuing a mere press release.
He warned that if accountability is not ensured, the people of Bangladesh will not accept a visit to India by Tarique Rahman. Questioning the government’s stance on nationalist politics, he said despite their rhetoric, they have failed to stop border killings.
Nahid further demanded visible government action to protect national sovereignty, implement reforms, and ensure justice for the victims of July uprising. He also called for immediate reductions in the prices of electricity, gas, rice, pulses, and other essential goods.
He announced that NCP would lead future movements for these demands from Dhaka Metropolitan South, saying, “We will be on the side of the people, just as we were during the July uprising.”
Local government and foreign relations
Addressing the same rally, NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan cautioned that the upcoming elections would be called into question if those currently serving as administrators in local government are allowed to participate as candidates.
He emphasised that the partisan use of state institutions would create uncertainty among the public regarding their future voting rights.
Regarding the potential return of Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh, Asif Mahmud stated that the NCP does not oppose her return but insists she must face trial for the killings during the July uprising.
On the subject of bilateral relations, he asserted that normalisation of ties with India is impossible as long as India continues to provide shelter to those responsible for July killings. He specifically mentioned that the killers of Osman Hadi, currently held in India, must be extradited.
“Before bringing them back to Bangladesh to face trial and execution, if the prime minister sets foot on Indian soil, it will be a betrayal of the people of this country,” he said, adding that cooperation with those who supported fascism and continue to assist perpetrators of genocide cannot be maintained.
