BNP comes to power, crises worsen: Sarwar Tushar

National Citizen Party (NCP) Joint Convener Sarwar Tushar has accused the BNP government of worsening the country’s energy crisis and scheduled load-shedding, alleging that the government has failed to deliver on its promises since taking office.

Speaking at a press conference at a hotel in Chattogram’s Station Road area on Monday, Tushar said the government had promised that the country’s problems would be resolved after the election, but instead, “looting in the name of crisis” had begun.

Referring to long queues of vehicles at fuel stations, he said the energy crisis had become severe. He also alleged that despite promises to create 15 million jobs, most factories in the country had been shut down during the government’s first 180 days.

Tushar criticised the home minister’s recent visit to Jungle Salimpur, saying the minister had not visited neighbouring Raozan despite allegations of public display of firearms and violence there.

He further alleged that Tk 950 million had been spent on monitoring equipment to interfere with freedom of expression and claimed that the government’s pledge to reform the media had instead resulted in the rehabilitation of Awami League-linked figures in the media.

Tushar also criticised what he described as weak laws for the National Human Rights Commission and the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances. He accused the government of attempting to place ruling-party activists in the Family Card programme.

Claiming that “mob” violence had become institutionalised during the BNP’s tenure, Tushar warned that the party would not complete its five-year term if it failed to protect public interests. He said the NCP could announce programmes such as hartals if necessary.

He also accused the BNP of creating confusion over the presidential election despite recognising the July Charter as a document of political consensus.

NCP Central Chief Organiser Sarjis Alam attended the press conference as the chief guest. Chattogram Metropolitan NCP Convener Mir Mohammad Shoeb presided over the event.

Among others, Central Joint Convener Ali Ahsan Junaid, Jatiya Jubo Shakti General Secretary Farhad Sohel, Jatiya Chhatra Shakti Convener Abu Bakar Majumder and Organising Secretary Rifat Rashid, and NCP Chattogram Divisional Organising Secretary ASM Suzauddin were present.

SKS