National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam today said the BNP government had “completely failed” in its first 180 days in office, particularly in controlling commodity prices, maintaining law and order, and ensuring electricity and energy supplies.

He also accused the government of breaking key pledges, politicising state institutions and abandoning its reform agenda in favour of what he termed “old politics”.

Nahid made the remarks at an emergency press conference organised by the NCP's Policy and Research Sub-committee at the party's central office in Banglamotor this morning, where it presented an assessment of the BNP government's first 180 days.

The party also unveiled a booklet titled “From the Promise of Change to a Return to Old Politics.”

Nahid said the government had identified controlling commodity prices, improving law and order, and ensuring electricity and energy supplies as its three priorities at its first cabinet meeting on February 17.

“In all three areas, they have failed badly,” he said.

He alleged that prices of essential commodities had risen while market syndicates remained active, and blamed poor planning and a lack of transparency for fuel and gas shortages affecting households and industries.

Nahid claimed that the country was facing a 43 percent gas supply shortfall, disrupting factory production, shipments and employment. He also alleged that the government had increased electricity prices within three months of taking office, despite pledging not to do so for two years.

On agriculture, he said weak monitoring and politically backed syndicates had forced farmers in many districts to pay Tk 350 to Tk 450 extra per sack of fertiliser.

Nahid also raised concerns over the banking sector and accused the government of reversing its position on mega projects despite earlier pledges to prioritise health and education.

He further alleged that political violence, extortion and attacks on opposition activists had increased, while institutions meant to ensure accountability had been weakened.

Nahid said the NCP and its allies would intensify their movement if the government failed to address the issues.

The alliance plans to hold long marches in five to six divisions, followed by a grand rally in Dhaka, he said.