Dhaka:National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Organiser and lawmaker Hasnat Abdullah has strongly criticized the current state of citizens' rights under the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). He likened the situation to North Korea's regime under the Kim dynasty, accusing the BNP government of detaining 30 individuals simply for expressing their views during its eight-month tenure.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Abdullah expressed concerns over the suppression of free speech, stating that individuals who voice dissent against the government are being detained. He made these remarks during a public outreach event held in Gulistan.
Abdullah further criticized Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, noting that prior to the election, Rahman claimed to support freedom of dissent, yet there is no evidence of such freedom existing now. Abdullah argued that these promises were made to garner public support during the election, but they lack substance in reality.
He drew parallels between the current political climate in Bangladesh and that of North Korea, where there is a single-party system and citizens are expected to show forced support. He warned that the BNP is heading in a similar direction, where expressions of suffering are met with detainment.
Additionally, Abdullah criticized the Inspector General of Police (IGP), accusing him of serving the interests of the Home Minister rather than the public. He called for the IGP's removal, emphasizing that freedom of speech must not be curtailed and extrajudicial killings will not be tolerated in Bangladesh.