New culture of fear grows in country: Nahid

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam alleged that 'a new culture of fear' was emerging in the country, accusing the authorities of adopting methods reminiscent of the previous Awami League government to obstruct the party's political programmes.

Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion titled "Fiery July: Blood Debt and Future Bangladesh", organised by the National Chhatra Shakti unit at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) on Thursday, Nahid criticised the recent obstruction of the party's July March programme in Habiganj and the police blockade of its convoy in Moulvibazar.

"Blocking roads with sand-filled trucks is a copy of Sheikh Hasina," he said. "If the government wants to suppress our movement, it should at least adopt a new strategy instead of copying the old one."

Referring to the attack on the NCP's convoy in Habiganj, Nahid alleged that the authorities were gradually restricting democratic space.

"For the past 16 years, the fascist government took away people's right to speak through the Digital Security Act. The current government has also started walking down that path," he said.

Emphasising democratic norms, he added, "There is room for dissent in a democracy. No one wants the use of force."