Nahid Islam, convenor of National Citizen Party (NCP) and chief whip of the opposition in Parliament, has declared that they will politically defeat both the fallen autocrat and the current government.
He said following the fall of an autocratic government through a mass uprising, a new autocratic rule is emerging in the country, against which the youth and forces supporting the July mass uprising must unite once again and take to the streets.
He made these remarks at a public protest rally organised by Dhaka Metropolitan North and South NCP at Shahbagh in Dhaka on Friday afternoon.
“Having bid farewell to one autocrat, we are now witnessing the emergence of a new autocrat,” Nahid said.
“Our promise and commitment before you is that, Insha’Allah, we will defeat both the fallen autocrat and this new autocrat,” he added.
Referring to reports that Awami League might return to the country in December, Nahid said BNP would not be able to confront Awami League.
He said BNP had failed to protect the public from Awami League over the past 16 years, calling upon the youth and supporters of the July mass uprising to unite once again under these circumstances.
At the rally, NCP presented a four-point demand, including the resignation of home minister and energy minister over failure, the cancellation of unilateral constitution amendment committee, and formation of a Constitution Reform Council based on the verdict of a referendum.
Their demands also include the repeal of laws opposed to human rights and freedom of speech, keeping proposed amendments to the Cyber Protection Act unpassed, and the prompt completion and implementation of trials regarding the July genocide.
Nahid mentioned that during mass outreach over the past seven days in various areas of the capital, they listened to the problems faced by the people.
Public life has been severely disrupted by gas and electricity shortages, rising commodity prices, terrorism, and land-grabbing, with the government completely failing to ensure public security, he alleged.
Demanding the resignation of Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, he said instead of fulfilling his responsibilities at the Home Ministry, the minister is occupied with constitutional amendment work.
He also demanded the resignation of the energy minister and called for the abolition of the unilaterally formed constitution amendment committee to establish a Constitution Reform Council.
Accusing BNP of breaching promises made in the July Charter, the 31-point outline, and its election manifesto, Nahid said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s government has no plan for running the country.
He alleged that the government is focusing instead on corruption, looting, extortion, and land-grabbing.
On relations with India, he alleged that the government is failing to play an appropriate role regarding border killings, unrest in the Hill Tracts, and the persecution of Muslims in various regions of India.
He further claimed that during a visit to Japan, efforts were being made to establish a corridor for India through Bangladesh, warning that the public would not accept any such corridor.
Mentioning that the Ganga Treaty is set to expire next December, Nahid demanded that Bangladesh’s fair share be ensured.
Addressing the rally, NCP Member Secretary Akhter Hossen said that prior to the election, it was claimed that holding elections would resolve the country’s situation.
However, nine months after the election, there has been no improvement in law and order, democracy, or public safety.
“In the past nine months, over 40 BNP leaders and activists have been killed in internal clashes amongst themselves,” he said.
Citing BNP’s internal conflicts, extortion, mugging, and land-grabbing, he remarked that rather than prosecuting these incidents, the Home Minister remains occupied with the constitution.
Regarding human rights, Akhter said despite expectations for strong human rights protection laws following the uprising, the government has taken initiatives to enact weak laws.
He demanded the repeal of anti-human rights laws and urged that proposed amendments to the Cyber Protection Act not be introduced.
NCP Senior Joint Convenor Nasir Uddin Patwary warned that if the home minister and energy minister do not resign, their protest programmes will expand.
In addition to holding rallies nationwide, he warned of besieging prime minister to enforce their demands.
Meanwhile, NCP Senior Joint Member Secretary Asif Mahmud highlighted that people are suffering due to rising commodity prices, increased electricity tariffs, and gas and power shortages.
He alleged that although the fixed price for LPG is Tk1,800, consumers are being charged between Tk2,500 and Tk3,000 in the market.
Asif also alleged that the administrators of the Dhaka North and South City Corporations are putting up posters and banners using City Corporation funds and logos.
Claiming that fresh extortion is taking place under the guise of eviction drives, he announced that resistance against these actions would be built in upcoming local government elections.
From 2:30pm onwards, leaders and activists from the North and South branches of NCP, along with its youth, student, and volunteer wings – Jubo Shakti, Chhatra Shakti, and Swachchhasebak Shakti – joined the venue at Shahbagh in processions.
The rally, which commenced around 3pm, continued until evening, marking the conclusion of the party’s seven-day mass outreach programme.
