Solve basic problems or hand over power to capable people: Asif Mahmud to govt

National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain has warned that if the government cannot address people's basic problems, it should hand over power to capable people.

"Take the necessary steps as soon as possible. And if you think you are failing, if you don't have the capacity, there is no shortage of capable people in Bangladesh. There are many experienced people and experts in the 11-party alliance. Let them run the country," he said at the concluding rally of the 11-party alliance's Dhaka-Chattogram long march at the historic Laldighi Maidan in Chattogram today (5 September).

Asif said many of the problems people faced under the previous government had worsened during the current government's first six months, leaving people to suffer from the same basic shortages and pressures.

"We were young, but the elders here and many senior politicians on this stage had already seen different periods of government. We have seen those times ourselves. I feel that we are slowly returning to them," he said.

He said gas and electricity shortages had returned while prices of essential commodities continued to rise.

"I saw a news report a while ago that internet prices would go up again, while speeds would also slow down. If we keep going backwards like this, I think we will end up where we were before," he said.

The NCP leader criticised the government for focusing on development schemes instead of addressing immediate problems faced by people.

"Since this government was formed, instead of acknowledging the main problems, they have already become busy with some schemes that have failed," he said.

He alleged that there were corruption allegations surrounding canal-digging projects and claims that money had been collected in some cases without the projects even being taken over.

Asif also criticised the government's employment initiatives.

"First they talked about creating jobs. Now they are talking about creating many more. But there is no electricity in my home. What will I do with jobs if there is no electricity?" he said.

"If the government has a card that will ensure electricity and gas at home, please give us that card," he added.

He also questioned the implementation of the government's tree-planting programme.

"We have seen the government's tree-planting programme. A few days ago, they said they had planted 2.5 crore trees. Now people on social media are saying, 'Did they plant 2.5 crore paddy plants?' Because we cannot see the work," he said.

Asif said ensuring basic services should be the government's primary responsibility.

"Where the government was supposed to guarantee that people's suffering would be reduced, it has failed to do so and, through some of its activities, has now brought the country to the brink of a precipice," he said.

He urged the government to prioritise ensuring uninterrupted electricity and gas supplies and easing the pressure on people.

He also called for immediate reforms.

"Take the necessary steps as soon as possible. Carry out reforms. And if you think you are failing, if you don't have the capacity, there is no shortage of capable people in Bangladesh," he said.

Asif said the 11-party alliance organised the long march to highlight people's rights and the hardships they face.

He said the programme had been successfully completed and urged people to join the alliance's future programmes to press for its demands, including improved electricity and gas supplies.