Nahid Islam warns government against gas price hike
National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam has warned that the government will not be able to remain in power if gas prices are increased by even Tk 1. He alleged that the authorities are creating an artificial gas crisis to justify another price hike while repeatedly breaking promises made to the public.
Nahid made the remarks yesterday after police blocked an 11-party alliance’s march towards the Secretariat. Addressing party leaders and activists, he said the government had pledged not to raise electricity prices but had instead increased gas prices. He also accused the authorities of failing to create jobs and control soaring prices of essential commodities.
“We are here to issue a warning. If gas prices are increased by even Tk 1, this government will not survive,” Nahid said. He added that profiteering would not be tolerated and accused the authorities of shifting the financial burden onto ordinary people.
Nahid further alleged that the government had failed to fulfil commitments made during the referendum, including establishing a Constitutional Reform Council in line with the public mandate and implementing the July Charter. According to him, none of those promises has been honoured.
He also claimed the government, in collusion with business syndicates, had created an artificial gas shortage and failed to ensure adequate supplies of gas, electricity and water. Instead of addressing people’s basic needs, he said, the authorities were moving to raise utility prices.
The NCP leader further alleged that employment opportunities have not increased while the prices of essential commodities have continued to rise, making daily life more difficult for ordinary people. He also claimed businesses across various sectors are paying higher levels of extortion than before.
Nahid accused the authorities of allowing attacks on opposition-minded students and elected student union representatives at universities while attempting to tighten control over campuses. He warned that future protest programmes could extend beyond the Secretariat to the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban and the Prime Minister’s Office if necessary.
Demanding that the government fulfil its commitments, Nahid called for implementation of the referendum’s outcome, uninterrupted supplies of gas and electricity, and effective action against corruption. Otherwise, he warned, the NCP would launch a stronger public movement.
