NCP Leader Nahid Islam: The Public is Being Deceived in the Name of National Consensus

PNN News Desk | Dhaka:
Nahid Islam, Convener of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), has stated that some political parties are deceiving the public by signing papers in the name of national consensus. He claimed that these parties are protecting their own interests instead of the public’s and are forming consensus commissions solely focused on election reforms.

He made these remarks today (Friday, October 17) as the chief guest at the inauguration of NCP’s labor organization, National Workers’ Force, held at Eskaton in Dhaka.

Nahid Islam said, “After the mass uprising, various commissions have been formed, but there has been no discussion about them. Commissions for labor, health, or public service institutions have not been discussed. Instead, a consensus commission has been formed with only six commissions for election purposes.”

He further added, “Alongside the struggle for democratic transformation in Bangladesh, our fight for economic transformation has begun. We will work to establish an anti-discrimination society and a justice-based economic system. Workers, students, and professionals from all sectors will unite in this struggle.”

The NCP leader emphasized that human dignity must be at the center of all national development efforts. He said, “We must move beyond the current framework of economic development. The focus of development must be the dignity of workers, dignified employment, and fair wages.”

He also stated, “Workers are still fighting for fair wages. Fires occur in garments, slums, and factories, and the value of a worker’s life is being determined at only 200,000–300,000 taka after death. Their lives have become worthless.”

Nahid Islam added, “Labor cannot be viewed merely as a tool for economic exploitation. The corruption and plundering that have taken place in Bangladesh must be addressed, and democratic transformation must be achieved.”

He alleged that during the fascist era, those who were part of the Raghav-Bowal mafia and oligarchs were never brought to justice. He said, “These oligarchs, who exploited the workers, are still being protected. We want to change this oligarchic system.”

During the event, Nahid Islam announced the names of the new leaders of the NCP’s labor organization, National Workers’ Force. He stated that Mazharul Islam Fakir, a leader of the anti-discrimination student movement, will serve as convener; labor leader Riaz Morshed will serve as member secretary; and labor leader Arman Hossain will serve as chief organizer.

He concluded by saying, “The National Workers’ Force will make its position clear on the streets and continue the struggle to secure workers’ rights.”