Dhaka:National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Nasiruddin Patwary has threatened to lead a march towards Gulshan if the government does not take action against business syndicates he claims are manipulating the market and inflating commodity prices.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Patwary made this announcement during a protest rally at Shahbagh, organized by the NCP's Dhaka north and south city units. He accused Meghna Group and Bashundhara Group of having financial ties with the ruling BNP, alleging that these groups have been making payments to the party's Gulshan office.
Patwary claimed that such business-political connections are contributing to market syndication and raising the prices of essential commodities. He cited an NCP-conducted survey indicating that prices in Bangladesh are around 20 percent higher than in Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and India, although he did not provide details about the survey's methodology or the specific products compared.
The NCP leader also pointed out that consumers are being charged between Tk 2,500 and Tk 3,500 for LPG cylinders, while the government-fixed price is Tk 1,837. Addressing the city's transport issues, Patwary stated that the NCP would support the removal of unauthorized vehicles from roads and the clearing of footpaths, provided the government ensures adequate alternative public transport.
Furthermore, Patwary warned that the party might consider stopping vehicles used by government officials and other luxury car users if ordinary commuters continue to lack sufficient public transport options. He criticized the government for failing to address youth unemployment, recalling the BNP's election promise to create one crore jobs, and alleged that syndicates and corruption are affecting public services, including hospitals. He called for greater accountability for the problems facing ordinary citizens.