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Nasiruddin Patwari
National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari has strongly urged the government to undertake structural reforms to achieve a lasting solution to the energy crisis and protect the public from mounting economic hardship.
He made the remarks on Monday evening (September 21) while addressing a demonstration and rally organized by NCP’s Dhaka Metropolitan North and South units in the capital’s Banglamotor, held to protest fuel price hikes and demand improved law and order. Patwari alleged that the current administration has demonstrated total failure in managing both the energy sector and domestic stability.
Addressing the rally, Patwari acknowledged that international energy markets are facing pressure, but argued that the government lacks the competence to effectively navigate the crunch. Emphasizing the urgent necessity of institutional reforms in the power and energy sector, he remarked that robust systemic reforms would have prevented unqualified individuals from assuming leadership roles such as that of the state minister for energy.
Accusing the administration of patronizing business syndicates, the NCP leader drew parallels to past governance records, alleging that the government is operating much like the 2001–2006 era and that criticizing the authorities now creates apprehension of arbitrary arrests among ordinary citizens.
Invoking the 2024 mass uprising, Patwari warned that shielding newly entrenched syndicates will not offer long-term protection, just as the previous regime could not survive after losing public trust. Pointing to current political leadership, he questioned the moral legitimacy of the administration, asserting that hiking fuel prices without pursuing institutional reforms amounts to placing an intolerable burden on working-class citizens.
Questioning the justification for raising fuel tariffs, Patwari alleged that prices of electricity, gas, and oil were increased under the pretext of funding social safety nets such as family cards. He stressed that the NCP has taken to the streets on behalf of ride-hailing drivers, transport workers, and ordinary consumers struggling to cope with skyrocketing expenses, warning that the administration risks facing massive public pushback on the streets if it fails to yield to public demands.
The protest march began around 8:00 PM in front of Rupayan Trade Centre in Banglamotor and concluded with a brief rally in Paribagh. NCP Dhaka Metropolitan South Convener Ishak Sarkar, Jatiya Jubo Shakti General Secretary Farhad Sohel, and Jatiya Sramik Shakti Convener Riaz Morshed, among other leaders, took part in the demonstration.
