Nahid demands president’s arrest

National Citizen Party Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Md Nahid Islam on Thursday demanded the arrest of the president, saying resignation alone would not be enough.

Speaking at the NCP’s “July March” and street rally in Jamalpur Sadar, Nahid also called for the election of a qualified, neutral and guardian-like president.

The party organised the programme to press its five-point demand, including implementation of the referendum mandate and stronger border security.

Nahid criticised the BNP for failing to replace what he described as “the Awami League’s president” after five months in government.

“Resignation alone will not be enough. He must be arrested, and a qualified, neutral and guardian-like person must be elected president,” he said.

Nahid alleged that the government had failed to fulfil the goals of last year’s mass uprising.

“We wanted change through the uprising, but no meaningful change has taken place. Drug trading, extortion, partisan control and land grabbing are continuing,” he said.

He claimed that political influence over the media, police and courts continued to prevent citizens from receiving justice.

“This is not a government of change. The NCP must come to power to implement reforms,” he said.

Nahid said the NCP’s eight lawmakers were “playing the role of a hundred” in parliament and claimed the party could have contributed more as the main opposition.

He also condemned the recent arson attack on the July memorial in Jamalpur and demanded the arrest of those responsible.

“The government and police administration must take responsibility if fascist groups continue carrying out violence,” he said.