Gas Price Hike by Even One Taka Will Topple Government, Warns Nahid Islam
Addressing a protest rally following police obstruction near the Secretariat on Thursday, Jatiya Nagorik Party Convener and Opposition Whip Nahid Islam accused the administration of failing to deliver on post-uprising promises and creating artificial comm
Published: 06 August 2026, 03:14 PM
National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Opposition Whip Nahid Islam on Thursday warned that the government will not survive if it increases gas prices by even a single taka, accusing the administration of orchestrating artificial shortages in collusion with syndicates.
Speaking to leaders and activists following police obstruction during an 11-party alliance march toward the Secretariat, Nahid criticized the administration for failing to meet public expectations following the mass uprising.
"Tarique Rahman’s government has been in power for the past five months and is breaking the promises made to the people," Nahid said. "First, they failed to keep their promise of forming a council to amend the constitution based on the people’s verdict. The July Charter has not been implemented yet. Meanwhile, artificial crises of basic necessities like gas, electricity, and water are being manufactured to pave the way for price hikes. We will resist this conspiracy at any cost."
The NCP leader also pointed to soaring commodity prices and widespread extortion, alleging that extortion fees at transport hubs and markets have surged under the watch of both administrative and political actors. He noted that employment generation has stalled, leaving ordinary citizens struggling to afford daily essentials such as vegetables.
Expressing deep concern over the situation in universities, Nahid accused the ruling party's student wing of cracking down on general and dissenting students, attacking elected student union leaders, and attempting to seize campuses nationwide.
Criticizing the police intervention against their peaceful gathering, the opposition whip maintained that corrupt bureaucrats from the previous regime of Sheikh Hasina are continuing to operate hand-in-hand with current wrongdoers, ignoring the legitimate grievances of the public.
"Today we came to the edge of the Secretariat. If necessary, we will go in front of your residence, in front of the national parliament, and in front of the Prime Minister's office. We will ensure the essential rights of the people," Nahid stated. "If gas prices are increased by even one taka, this government will not last a single day."
He further urged the administration to honor its commitments regarding utility prices, market stabilization, constitutional implementation, and law and order enhancement, reminding authorities of the definitive lessons of the 2024 mass uprising.
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