Nahid warns Prime Minister

National Citizens Party (NCP) Convener and Chief Whip of the Opposition in Parliament Nahid Islam has said there are questions about how much democracy and human rights will be protected under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. He alleged that although the BNP government has spoken about protecting human rights, laws and institutions are being created that could restrict citizens’ fundamental rights.

He made the remarks at a human chain organized by the NCP in front of the Parliament building on Manik Mia Avenue in the capital on Friday afternoon, September 18.

The human chain was organized to protest laws that violate human rights, suppression of dissent and deprivation of citizens’ fundamental rights.

Referring to the disappearance of Miraj Sheikh, Nahid Islam said there has been no trace of him for five months. Yet the government has said that there have been no enforced disappearances in the past seven months. He also alleged that Miraj’s family faced harassment while trying to file a case at the police station.

The NCP convener also raised objections to the Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Redress Act. He said there are questions about how effective an investigation would be if allegations of enforced disappearance are investigated by law enforcement agencies. He also said people would be discouraged from reporting enforced disappearances because the law provides for punishment if an allegation is proven false.

Nahid also questioned the filing of cases under the Anti-Terrorism Act against Gazi Salahuddin Tanvir and Sifat of Gazipur. He said insulting someone or creating memes cannot be supported. However, treating such activities as terrorism and filing cases under the Anti-Terrorism Act could restrict freedom of expression.

Criticizing the government over the Anti-Corruption Commission, Nahid Islam said allegations of corruption from 2001 to 2006 could be investigated. However, he alleged that the current government is using the Anti-Corruption Commission to target the opposition.

Referring to Tarique Rahman’s visit to the United Nations, Nahid Islam said he would represent Bangladesh there, not just the BNP. He called for presenting the country’s position through national unity.

Nahid Islam said, “I would also tell Tarique Rahman to come in the right direction as soon as possible and follow the path of democracy.”

At the same time, he called for proper investigations into enforced disappearances, ensuring the independence of the National Human Rights Commission and protecting freedom of expression under the cyber law.