Nahid Islam Calls for Preparation for Another Struggle Amid Concerns Over Country’s Situation

Expressing concern over the current situation in Bangladesh, Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) and Member of Parliament, has urged everyone to prepare for another struggle. He also accused the current government of politicizing key state institutions. Nahid Islam made these remarks while delivering the keynote speech at a divisional Iftar event organized by NCP in Sylhet on Wednesday.

Highlighting recent developments in state institutions, including the change of the Bangladesh Bank governor, Nahid Islam said, “You have seen what has happened at Bangladesh Bank, and the situation at BASS. Most recently, we saw what is happening at the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The ACC is supposed to be an independent and impartial body, but historically it has never been able to function independently in Bangladesh.”

Referring to a previous statement by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, he questioned whether the ACC will continue to act as a commission targeting opposition parties. He raised concerns over the recent resignations of the ACC chairman and commissioners and called for accountability from both Parliament and the public regarding any undue pressure that may have led to their departures. Nahid Islam also questioned how the next ACC chairman would be appointed—whether based on party considerations or in consultation with opposition parties.

Urging preparation for a new struggle, he added, “We must prepare for another struggle, and this time we cannot afford to make mistakes. We want to enter the field fully prepared. Perhaps past mass movements were spontaneous, and in the aftermath, we made many mistakes. As a result, the situation in the country has worsened. There is now a question of whether the country will again shift from democracy toward one-party authoritarianism.”

Nahid Islam instructed local NCP leaders in Sylhet to prepare for upcoming local government elections and emphasized unity and following future party directives.

The event was presided over by Sylhet district convener Juned Ahmed and conducted by city convener Abdur Rahman (Afzar). Special guests included NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary and NCP North Region Chief Organizer Sarjis Alam, while the welcome address was delivered by NCP Sylhet City Member Secretary Kibria Sarwar.

In his speech, Nasiruddin Patwary recalled Shahid Sharif Osman bin Hadi, who was killed for speaking against foreign dominance in Bangladesh. He urged the government to advance the judicial process for Hadi’s case. Patwary criticized ongoing politicization in administration, citing the appointment of business figures in government roles and the return of corrupt individuals from abroad. He warned that failure to reform could create serious challenges for the youth.

He also raised concerns over rising incidents of violence and sexual assault, urging the government to take measures to ensure the safety of women and create a secure environment in Bangladesh.

Sarjis Alam praised some initiatives of the current Prime Minister but strongly condemned attempts to politicize major institutions. He stated that placing partisan individuals in institutions like Bangladesh Bank, the ACC, or the Public Service Commission would not be tolerated. He warned that giving shelter to individuals with authoritarian tendencies or anti-democratic records could backfire on the authorities.

Other speakers at the pre-Iftar session included BNP Central Joint Secretary Miftah Siddiqui, Jamaat Sylhet City Ameer Fakhrul Islam, and National Youth Force convener Tarekul Islam, among others.