National Citizen Party Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam criticized the current Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government yesterday, alleging the emergence of a new autocratic regime following the ousting of the previous one. Speaking at a large protest rally held in front of the National Museum in Shahbagh, Nahid accused the BNP administration, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, of failing to govern effectively and overseeing rising corruption and instability.
Addressing thousands of party leaders, activists, and supporters, Nahid contended that although the previous autocrat had been removed from power, the country was now experiencing a similar form of authoritarianism under the BNP. “We ousted one autocrat, but now we are witnessing the rise of a new autocracy,” he said. Nahid emphasized the party’s commitment to challenging both the former and current governments.
The rally featured prominent figures, including the National Citizen Party’s Dhaka North and South City Corporation mayoral candidates, Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan and Nasiruddin Patwary, who led sizeable processions in the capital. At the event, Nahid sharply criticized the BNP government’s approach, accusing Prime Minister Rahman—who recently returned from London—of orchestrating corruption, extortion, and promoting terrorism and occupation across the country.
Nahid also responded to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s announcement of her planned return to Bangladesh in December, suggesting the incumbent administration would be unable to effectively confront her political resurgence. He called on youth activists and participants in the July uprising to rally once again against the government’s policies.
Highlighting the country’s economic and governance challenges, Nahid pointed to soaring commodity prices, frequent power and gas shortages, and increased criminal activity. He accused the government of politicizing state institutions and failing to maintain law and order, which he said had adversely affected the daily lives and safety of citizens. He specifically held Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud responsible for these crises, demanding their resignations and warning that failure to address these concerns could trigger nationwide processions.
On foreign relations, Nahid expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of issues involving neighboring India. He criticized the administration for inadequate responses to border killings, unrest in the hill districts, the alleged persecution of Muslims in Assam and West Bengal, and plans to demolish mosques in Delhi. He further warned that protests would intensify if a fair renewal of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty was not secured in December.
Senior Joint Convener Nasiruddin Patwary, Senior Joint Member Secretary Asif Mahmud, and Member of Parliament Mahmuda Alam also spoke at the rally, reinforcing the National Citizen Party’s stance against the current government’s policies.