Criticizing BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman’s proposal to provide family cards and flats to slum dwellers, Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and the 10-party alliance candidate for Dhaka-11, said slum residents do not want flats; they want a safe life, which is possible even while living in slums.
“In the past, those who promised flats later tried to evict slum dwellers after elections. Slum residents now understand these false promises and will vote not for flats, but for justice and the national interest,” he added.
Nahid Islam made the remarks at a public gathering organized by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami for the Dhaka-15 constituency at 2pm on Thursday. Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has collected nomination papers from this constituency for the 13th parliamentary election.
Questioning the BNP’s proposal, Nahid Islam said: “Who will actually receive the Tk2,000–3,000 family cards BNP is talking about? Will those who truly need them get them, or will people have to pay bribes of Tk1,000 to obtain a Tk2,000 card?”
He alleged that BNP is nominating loan defaulters who could return to power and misuse public funds.
The NCP convener urged a fair and transparent election, warning that no party should get special privileges and wrongdoing won’t be tolerated.
Speaking on the issue of a referendum, Nahid Islam said the upcoming election is also a public referendum, urging a “yes” vote to reject injustice, oppression, and authoritarianism.
“We must continue the fight against fascism and extortion. The goals for which we launched our movement have largely remained unfulfilled. By ensuring victory for the ‘yes’ vote, we will transform that movement into a celebration of success,” he added.