Failure to implement reforms could trigger fresh 'one-point' movement: Patwary

Failure to implement reforms and ensure accountability to the people could trigger a fresh "one-point" movement, National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary warned today (5 September).

Addressing Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, Patwary said people had entrusted the government with implementing reforms and would decide what to do if that responsibility was not fulfilled.

"We have handed you the responsibility of implementing reforms in Bangladesh. If you fail to fulfil that responsibility, the people will decide what comes next," he said at the concluding rally of the 11-party alliance's Dhaka-Chattogram long march at the historic Laldighi Maidan in Chattogram.

He said the long march was organised to press for the implementation of reforms and the demands on which people had voted.

"We have carried out this long march to implement reforms in Bangladesh. We have come to the streets to ensure the demands on which the people voted are implemented," he said.

Patwary called for trials over deaths during movements for democracy under the Awami League government, as well as killings during the July Uprising.

He also demanded that Awami League leaders and activists who fled abroad be brought back and prosecuted.

Referring to ongoing power and gas shortages, he said the long march was also aimed at drawing attention to the hardships caused by inadequate electricity and gas supplies.

"We have marched because every month we face power shortages and because we want a better future for our children. We have also marched to address the suffering of people who turn on the gas stove in their kitchens and find there is no gas," he said.

Addressing BNP leaders and activists, Patwary said those elected as ministers and MPs must remain accountable to the people.

"We fought for you, and those who have become ministers and MPs should be asked why they misled the nation. They must be brought under accountability," he said.

Turning again to Tarique Rahman, he said the government had been entrusted with carrying out reforms after the deaths of around 1,400 people.

"We have given you the responsibility of implementing reforms in Bangladesh. Around 1,400 brothers have been killed. Those who were involved with fascism and fled to India must be brought back and put on trial," he said.

Referring to Tarique Rahman's pledge to ensure justice for Sharif Osman Hadi, Patwary said the long march was also aimed at pressing that demand.

Patwary warned that failure to ensure accountability could lead to a renewed one-point movement.

"If you fail to remain accountable to the people of Bangladesh, then what happens? It will become one point," he said.

He recalled that the 2024 movement had evolved from nine points into a single demand.

"In 2024, we moved from nine points to one point. It will transform again. Tarique Rahman, whether you remain in Bangladesh then or not is not a decision we will make; the people of Bangladesh will decide," he said.

Calling on Chattogram residents to prepare for further political mobilisation, Patwary said they would continue the struggle after returning to Dhaka.

He ended his speech by announcing that the party would join subsequent programmes in Dhaka following the long march.