Opposition to announce tougher programmes at upcoming Dhaka rally: Nahid

The opposition will announce tougher political programmes at its next grand rally in Dhaka as it can no longer cooperate with the government over the gas crisis, rising utility and commodity prices, and the alleged politicisation of state institutions, Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam said today (25 July).

“Our divisional rallies end today. We will announce a broader programme at our next grand rally in Dhaka. We can no longer cooperate with the government,” he said while addressing a Jamaat-led alliance rally in Sylhet.

Nahid, also the convener of the National Citizen Party, alleged that the government had failed to address the worsening gas crisis while increasing electricity, fuel and LPG prices, leaving people burdened by soaring living costs.

“The BNP is politicising all state institutions. The Election Commission must be reconstituted before local government elections are held,” he added.

Nahid also warned that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his party would face the consequences if they overlooked the 2024 July Uprising and the sacrifices made by those who took part in it.

“If the BNP forgets the July Uprising, the movement led by young people and the sacrifices of the 1,400 martyrs, Tarique Rahman and the BNP will have to face the consequences,” he said.

Referring to the debate over reforms and amendments, the NCP chief claimed the issue had been settled at the National Consensus Commission, where, he said, the BNP had agreed to reforms and a referendum.

“The BNP now dismisses the idea of reforms, even though reforms are part of its own 31-point agenda. Some intellectuals are speaking in favour of amendments, but people laid down their lives for reforms,” he said.

Nahid also congratulated students and protesters in India following the resignation of the country’s education minister amid protests.