Government following path of authoritarianism: Nahid Islam

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam has alleged that the current government is following the path of authoritarianism and pushing the country towards chaos by staying in power in an undemocratic manner.

He made the remarks on Wednesday night after filing a complaint with the Sadar Police Station at Kamaichhara Police Camp over the attack on NCP leaders and activists in Habiganj.

“The government is continuing the old path, the path of autocracy. They have not accepted the public mandate from the referendum and have not formed an independent police commission. Instead, they are trying to build a state dependent on terrorism, continuing the system that existed before,” Nahid said.

He said it was unfortunate that an attack took place on their party activists during the second anniversary observance of the July Mass Uprising.

“We are remembering our martyrs and continuing to speak for a democratic and discrimination-free Bangladesh, for reforms and justice. As part of our ongoing July March programme, we came to Habiganj, where we were attacked with the intention of killing us. A teenager lost his eye in the attack,” he alleged.

Criticising the local lawmaker, Nahid said the MP, who is also a whip, should have controlled his party members but instead was “raising terrorists”.

“His followers carried out the attack openly in broad daylight and evening in front of everyone,” he alleged.

Nahid claimed that no one had been arrested over the attack so far. He said police initially refused to accept their complaint and allegedly obstructed the process.

“We suspended our protest procession as Section 144 was imposed and police requested us to do so. But initially they did not allow us to file the case. Police also assaulted Dr Mahmuda on several occasions. However, we made it clear that we would not leave until the complaint was accepted,” he said.

He added that police later brought them to the camp and accepted the complaint, assuring that a copy of the case would be provided within two hours.

Criticising BNP leaders, Nahid alleged that the local MP and BNP activists were attempting to create fear among people.

“During the last 16 years, when trucks were used to block Begum Khaleda Zia’s residence, where was their courage? Today, they are the ones placing trucks on roads,” he said.

Regarding allegations against NCP chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary over controversial remarks, Nahid said legal action should be taken if anyone violates existing laws.

“If Nasiruddin Patwary or anyone from our party violates the law, action will be taken according to the law. If anyone makes statements against political values, people will judge them through elections. But Chhatra Dal, BNP or any terrorist group has no authority to deliver such justice,” he said.

Nahid also criticised former president Abdul Hamid, referring to him as a “fascist”, and alleged that he had made derogatory remarks about Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia.

“If they have the courage, they should speak against Chuppu (former president Abdul Hamid) and arrest him. But this government does not have that courage,” he said.

Highlighting his party’s political stance, Nahid said NCP was formed by the activists of the mass uprising to build a democratic state.

“Our fight was against this kind of terrorism. We wanted the police and judiciary to work independently,” he said.

Speaking about local politics in Habiganj, Nahid alleged that local BNP leader G K Gaus had been involved in terrorism and sheltered criminals.

“The people of Habiganj knew this. Yesterday, the whole country came to know, and today the whole world knows how this government treats opposition parties and restricts freedom of expression,” he said.

Addressing police officials, Nahid urged them to prove their neutrality by ensuring a proper investigation and arresting those involved.

“If the police want to come out of the image of politicisation created during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, they must ensure justice in this incident. The accused must be arrested tonight so that they cannot flee,” he said.

He warned that failure to ensure justice would prove that the country was again turning into a “mafia and authoritarian state”.

NCP South Zone Chief Organiser and lawmaker Hasnat Abdullah, Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, and National Women’s Power Member Secretary and lawmaker Dr Mahmuda Mitu were present during the complaint filing.

-HIS