Journos critical of govt arrested: Nahid

 
JOYPURHAT, Nov 7: National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam has alleged that Bangladesh has seen no positive change since the mass uprising, accusing the government of undermining the reform process and failing to fulfil public expectations.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at an view-exchange meeting organised by the NCP at the Swapno Chhaya Community Centre in Joypurhat on Friday evening.

Referring to the country’s political situation, Nahid said the mass uprising had raised expectations for democracy, freedom of expression, equality and a sovereign foreign policy. However, he said, the current situation did not reflect those aspirations.

He alleged that people critical of the government, including journalists, had been unjustly arrested, assaulted and tortured for criticising the government on social media.

“The government is trying to derail the entire reform process by forming a constitutional amendment committee instead of implementing the people's aspirations, despite coming to power with the mandate of 70 per cent of voters,” he said.

Speaking about the possible return or rehabilitation of the Awami League, Nahid alleged that claims of its leaders’ return in December were part of a propaganda campaign originating in Delhi to destabilise Bangladesh.

“There is no possibility of it. However, over the past eight months, the government has created opportunities for the fascist Awami League to carry out activities in various ways,” he said.

On RMG labour unrest, the NCP leader criticised the government's response, saying the formation of a wage board nearly a week after workers' protests began reflected negligence.

He alleged that the delay had created an opportunity for different groups to attempt sabotage.