Tarique has failed the test of running Bangladesh in 6 months: Nasiruddin Patwary
The NCP leader also urged businesspeople not to pay extortion and accused the BNP of politicising state institutions.
National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary today (31 July) said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had "failed the test" of running Bangladesh over the past six months and was unfit to lead the country in the future.
"The Bangladesh of tomorrow cannot be run by Tarique Rahman. He has failed the test of running Bangladesh in six months. Now is the time for power to be placed in the hands of the people," Patwary said while addressing a rally in Sylhet's Companiganj as part of the party's July March programme.
Patwary called on businesspeople not to pay extortion and urged citizens not to offer bribes at government offices.
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"From today, businesspeople should stop paying extortion money. Do not pay bribes at government offices," he said.
Responding to criticism over his remarks, Patwary said, "I speak in my own style. People will have to tolerate that to some extent. When you are in power, you have to develop a thick skin. But don't become so thick-skinned that you don't move even when shaken."
Criticising ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, he said that if she returned to Bangladesh, the people would ensure that she faced capital punishment.
On border killings, he alleged that members of parliament remained silent because they benefited financially, although he did not provide evidence for the claim.
Patwary also demanded the reopening of stone quarries in Companiganj using traditional extraction methods, saying their closure had deprived many people of their livelihoods.
He further called for improved management of the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (R), urging the government and shrine authorities to ensure transparency in the use of donations.
Speaking at the rally, NCP Northern Region Chief Organiser Sarjis Alam said the party would resist any political force attempting to become authoritarian.
"The party that led the July movement will never allow itself to become authoritarian. If anyone tries to become an autocrat again, we will resist them," he said.
Alleging that the BNP was politicising state institutions, Sarjis claimed that party loyalists were being appointed across government organisations, including local government bodies.
He also said that five years from now, there would be no one left who would want to identify themselves as an Awami League supporter.
NCP central Joint Member Secretary and Member of Parliament Dr Mahmuda Mitu said the party speaks for the people in parliament and seeks systemic reforms to ensure that the police and administration serve citizens rather than political interests.
Following the Companiganj rally, the NCP's July March programme proceeded towards Gowainghat and Jaintiapur upazilas.
Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies strengthened security arrangements after recent attacks on NCP programmes in Habiganj and the brick attack on Sarjis Alam's motorcade in Sylhet's Golapganj yesterday (30 July).
