NCP Says BNP Government Failed Key Tests in First 180 Days, Cites Prices, Energy and Law and Order
DHAKA — National Citizen Party Convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam on Monday accused the BNP government of failing to deliver on its key promises during its first 180 days in office, citing rising prices, energy shortages and deteriorating law and order.
Nahid made the comments at an emergency news conference organized by the NCP’s Policy and Research Subcommittee at the party’s central office in Banglamotor. The party also presented an assessment of the government’s first six months and unveiled a booklet titled From the Promise of Change to a Return to Old Politics.
NCP criticizes government priorities
Nahid said the government identified controlling commodity prices, improving law and order, and ensuring electricity and energy supplies as its three main priorities at its first Cabinet meeting on Feb. 17.
“In all three areas, they have failed badly,” he said.
According to the NCP assessment, prices of essential commodities have increased while market syndicates remain active. Nahid also blamed what he described as poor planning and a lack of transparency for shortages of fuel and gas affecting households and industries.
He claimed the country was facing a 43% shortfall in gas supplies, disrupting factory production, shipments and employment.
Nahid also alleged that the government increased electricity prices within three months of taking office despite an earlier pledge not to raise them for two years.
NCP raises concerns over agriculture and banking
On agriculture, Nahid alleged that weak monitoring and politically backed syndicates had forced farmers in several districts to pay an additional 350 to 450 taka per sack of fertilizer.
He also expressed concerns about the banking sector and accused the government of changing its position on major infrastructure projects.
According to Nahid, the government had previously pledged to prioritize health and education but later moved back toward large-scale projects.
Opposition alleges rise in political violence
Nahid further accused the government of failing to maintain law and order, alleging increases in political violence, extortion and attacks on opposition activists.
He also claimed that institutions responsible for ensuring accountability had been weakened.
The allegations were made as part of the NCP’s assessment of the BNP government’s first 180 days. The government has not, in the information provided, responded to the NCP’s claims.
Nahid said the NCP and its allies would intensify their political movement if the government failed to address the issues raised by the party.
The alliance plans to organize long marches in five to six divisions, followed by a major rally in Dhaka, he said.
