'It Won't Work with This Home Minister,' says Nahid
NCP Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam speaking at a press conference. Photo: Agamir Somoy.
Nahid Islam, Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and Chief Whip of the Opposition, has said that it is impossible to restore normal law and order in the country with Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed in office.
He made these remarks on Monday afternoon during a press conference held at the NCP’s party office at Banglamotor, Dhaka. The press conference was organized to address the country's deteriorating law and order situation, upcoming local government elections, and the overall political scenario.
Nahid Islam emphasized that it is clear to the public that the law and order situation is far from normal, stating that the government, the Prime Minister, and the Home Minister must take responsibility for the current state of affairs.
"The incumbent Home Minister has repeatedly made inconsistent statements and has failed to discharge his duties. His positions on key issues, including reforms, have raised serious questions among the public," the NCP convener said.
He suggested that simply boosting law enforcement presence will not resolve the issue; rather, held accountability for those in charge and effective policy action are urgently needed.
Local Government Elections & Teacher Recruitment
Nahid Islam also outlined the party's stance on the upcoming local government elections, announcing that the NCP will contest independently. However, he warned that if there is any sign of irregularities or vote rigging, the party will resist it with full force.
The press conference also highlighted the recruitment issue of primary school assistant teachers. Nahid said that candidates who were excluded despite being dynamically selected should have their cases reconsidered, demanding that anyone without proven ties to terrorism or anti-state activities be appointed.
"If even a single candidate is unfairly denied appointment, the NCP will stand by them," he said regarding the party's stance.
Criticism of the UN Address
The NCP Convener further criticized the Prime Minister’s recent speech at the United Nations, arguing that it failed to adequately reflect the expectations of the Bangladeshi public and key national priorities.
He pointed out that critical issues—such as the energy crisis, border killings, push-ins, the Rohingya crisis, and the Teesta Comprehensive Plan—should have been highlighted much more forcefully on the international stage.
Finally, Nahid Islam pointed out that the events of the July mass uprising and genocide were not properly presented at the UN, leaving the public unclear about what Bangladesh actually gained from the international platform.
