Jatiya Nagarik Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam MP has warned that the government will not survive in power if gas prices are increased also accusing it of manufacturing an artificial gas crisis to justify the hike and repeatedly breaking promises made to the public.
He made the remarks on Thursday while addressing activists after police blocked the NCP's planned march toward the Secretariat.
"If gas prices rise even slightly, this government will not be able to continue" Nahid said, adding that despite pledging not to raise electricity prices, the government had gone ahead and increased gas prices instead. He also accused authorities of failing to control rising commodity prices despite earlier promises of job creation and price stability.
Nahid alleged the government has not implemented commitments made following the referendum including reforms tied to the constitution reform council and the July Charter.
He further claimed the government, working with syndicates, engineered the gas crisis while failing to ensure stable supplies of gas, electricity and water. He said essential commodity prices have risen sharply, traders are being overcharged, and no meaningful employment has been created for ordinary citizens.
The NCP leader also alleged attempts by opposing student groups to seize control of university campuses and warning that his party could escalate protests toward the Secretariat, Parliament building and the Prime Minister's Office if necessary.
Addressing the government directly, Nahid demanded fulfillment of public promises with implementation of referendum outcomes, a stable gas and electricity supply and stronger action against corruption warning that failure to act would push more people to join the opposition's movement.
