‘We won’t allow this government to remain in power’: Nahid Islam

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener and Chief Whip of the opposition Nahid Islam has warned that his party will not allow the government to remain in power if it fails to implement the people’s mandate delivered through the referendum.

He made the remarks at a mass rally organised by the NCP’s Dhaka South unit at Shaheed Faruk Road in Jatrabari on Friday afternoon.

“We want to make one thing clear: the National Citizen Party took part in the mass uprising for change and reform in the country, and we also participated in the election. We asked you to vote ‘Yes’ in the referendum. We said a ‘Yes’ vote would bring reforms to the country,” Nahid said.

He accused the government of betraying the people and described it as a “deceptive” and “treacherous” government.

“Those who have come to power by betraying the people of this country, the July mass uprising and thousands of martyrs can be called a deceptive and treacherous government,” he said.

The NCP leader also criticised the government over the country’s ongoing energy and business challenges.

“Factories and industries are shutting down due to gas and electricity shortages. Businesses and trade are also being disrupted. No one can conduct business because of extortion,” Nahid said.

He warned that the government would face opposition if it failed to address the situation.

“If these circumstances cannot be changed, we will not allow this government to remain in power. You (BNP) were voted into power not to engage in corruption and plunder,” the opposition chief whip said.

Nahid further claimed that the government had broken all records for load-shedding in the country’s history within just five months.

“We know the history of 2001 to 2006,” he said.

-HIS