Chattogram NCP says government obstructing campaign over ‘people’s demands’

The Chattogram chapter of the National Citizen Party (NCP) has accused the government of obstructing preparations for Saturday’s Dhaka-Chattogram long march to push home what it calls "public demands".

Arif Moinuddin, member secretary of the party’s metropolitan committee, made the allegation at a media briefing at the NCP office in Chawkbazar on Friday.

He said people were suffering amid acute shortages of gas, fertiliser and electricity while the government remained focused on “partisan interests”.

The party would stand with the public to confront the administration and force it to reckon with people's hardships, Arif added.

The long march will begin at 7am on Saturday, with the organisers expecting large crowds along the route.

Moinuddin, also convenor of NCP's Chattogram metropolitan unit, alleged that VIP rooms reserved at Chattogram Circuit House for visiting march leaders had been shown as booked under two ministers' names, denying the party accommodation.

The Dhaka-Chattogram long march, organised by the Opposition bloc, seeks to “advance the aspirations of the July Uprising, the public’s legitimate demands, a democratic environment and state reforms”.

It will culminate in a rally at Chattogram's Laldighi Maidan at 5:15pm.

SM Suzauddin, NCP Chattogram divisional organising secretary, said the port city’s importance to building a “new Bangladesh” made it essential to ensure its residents receive their fair share of civic rights and facilities.