Dhaka: Nahid Islam, opposition Chief Whip and convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has accused the BNP government of curbing people's rights and undermining democracy since coming to power. He made these remarks on Saturday while addressing the inaugural rally of the 11-party alliance's Dhaka-to-Rangpur long march at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Nahid emphasized that those who have dismantled democratic structures in the past have ultimately ended up in "the dustbin of history." Highlighting the current political scenario, he urged Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to decide on how he would exit power, either under pressure or through a dignified transition. "Tarique Rahman has to decide now whether he will flee by helicopter or hand over power through a dignified process," Nahid stated.
During his speech, Nahid criticized the government's legislative actions, pointing out the recent passing of an enforced disappearance law and a human rights law. He noted that the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has been renamed SRB, and argued that instead of protecting human rights, the government is fostering an environment ripe for rights violations.
Nahid further alleged that the current administration is employing the same legal frameworks and institutional mechanisms that Sheikh Hasina's government used to suppress citizens' rights. He mentioned a growing wave of public support for the long march, accusing BNP leaders and activists of tearing down the 11-party alliance's banners and festoons along the march route since Friday night, supposedly with the city corporation's involvement.
Despite these alleged actions, Nahid expressed confidence that such tactics would not diminish public backing for the long march. He remarked that while the opposition's list of demands continues to expand, it will ultimately consolidate into a single demand, urging the 11-party alliance leaders and activists to be prepared for the forthcoming challenges.