Govt won't stay in power if raises gas prices: Nahid

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Opposition Whip Nahid Islam on Thursday warned that the government would not be able to remain in power if it raised gas prices by even one taka, alleging that it was creating an artificial gas crisis to justify the move while reneging on key public commitments.

Speaking to party leaders and activists after police blocked an 11-party alliance's march towards the Secretariat, Nahid accused the government of colluding with syndicates to create an energy crisis and failing to deliver on promises made through the referendum process.

"Today we have come to warn. If the price of gas is increased by even one taka, then this government will not be able to run," he said.

"You promised not to increase the price of electricity, but you have increased the price of gas. You also promised to create employment and control the rise in prices of goods, but now the prices of daily necessities are increasing further. These tricks will not work. Profiteering will not be allowed in Bangladesh," he added.

Nahid alleged that the government had failed to implement commitments made to the people, including the formation of a Constitutional Reform Council based on the referendum and the implementation of the July Charter.

He further claimed that employment opportunities had not been created as promised, while the prices of essential commodities had risen sharply, leaving ordinary people struggling to meet daily expenses.

"Extortion from businessmen in different sectors is now being collected at a higher rate than before," he added. 

 NCP convener also accused the authorities of attempting to suppress opposition politics on university campuses, alleging attacks on opposition-backed students and elected student parliament representatives, alongside efforts to establish political control over educational institutions.

Warning of an intensified protest movement, Nahid said the opposition would expand its agitation if necessary.

"If necessary, our programmes will be taken to the Parliament House and the Prime Minister's Office in addition to the Secretariat," he maintained.