NCP demands resignation of home, energy ministers

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has called a mass protest in Dhaka on October 30, demanding the resignation of the home affairs and energy ministers over the deteriorating law and order situation and rising living costs, alongside major constitutional and legal reforms.

The demonstration will be held at 3:00pm in front of the National Museum in Shahbagh, according to a statement issued by the party on Friday.

The NCP’s three-point agenda includes the resignation of Home Affairs Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku, dissolution of the existing constitutional amendment committee and formation of a constitutional reform council based on a public mandate obtained through a referendum.

The party also demanded the repeal of what it described as “authoritarian laws”, including cyber-related legislation.

In the statement, the NCP alleged that rising murders, extortion, land grabbing, mugging and violence involving ruling-party affiliates had undermined public safety and democratic aspirations. It said unchecked 
market syndicates and rising prices were adding to the hardship of ordinary people, businesspeople and professionals.

Citing recent incidents, the party referred to the fatal shootings of two people, including a journalist in Netrokona on October 15, and another person in Sitakunda, Chattogram, the following day. It also alleged that 50 to 60 vehicles were targeted in robberies and looting on roads in Cox’s Bazar on October 19.

The NCP cited Human Rights Support Society figures claiming that 113 people had died in political violence and internal BNP conflicts over the preceding nine months, while 187 had been killed in mob violence. It also raised concerns over alleged restrictions on free expression.

On the economic front, the party said rising fuel prices, utility bills and essential commodity costs were putting mounting pressure on household budgets.

It cited LPG prices ranging from Tk 1,800 to Tk 3,500 per cylinder, soybean oil at Tk 200�"210 per litre and rice at Tk 70�"90 per kilogram. Electricity bills, it claimed, had risen from Tk 1,000�"1,200 to as much as Tk 4,000 a month for some households.

The NCP urged citizens to join the protest, calling on the government to ensure public safety, curb living costs and implement the proposed reforms.