Leaders of the political organization Natun Dhara Bangladesh (NDB) have warned of continuous blockades unless VAT increases are withdrawn. During a rally and red-card procession held in front of the National Press Club on January 17 at 11 a.m., NDB leaders demanded the publication of a list of corrupt ministers, MPs, bureaucrats, and businessmen from the previous government, as well as the withdrawal of increased tariffs. The event was presided over by Momin Mehdi, Chairman of NDB, and attended by key figures including Freedom Fighter Fazlul Haque, Senior Vice-Chairman Shanta Farzana, Vice-Chairman Dr. Nurjahan Neera, Joint General Secretary Monir Zaman, and Organizing Secretary Wazed Rana, among others.

Addressing the gathering, the leaders criticized the government’s adherence to IMF loan agreements, accusing it of exploiting the public. They declared that Sheikh Hasina had failed to escape accountability for draining the nation’s resources and warned the authorities against making decisions that harm the people, such as increasing VAT, cautioning that they, too, would face public outrage and have no escape.

Momin Mehdi stated, “It is harsh but true that the country has been pushed to the brink by anti-student, anti-youth, and anti-people political and administrative forces. These individuals seek to cling to power by deceiving the very people they oppress.”

The NDB leaders further emphasized that if the government has no intention of waging war against its citizens, it must immediately withdraw the VAT hike, lift the ban on strikes, publish the list of corrupt individuals, and stand by the people. Otherwise, they warned, the current regime would face the same fate as Sheikh Hasina and be forced to flee.

Following the rally, the protesters displayed red cards to Dr. Muhammad Yunus, along with associated advisers, secretaries, bureaucrats, and corrupt business syndicates. They then marched across various parts of the capital, continuing their call for action and reforms.