Chief whip of opposition in parliament and convener of Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) Nahid Islam on Saturday accused the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of abandoning democratic principles after assuming power.

Speaking at an event at Suhrawardy Udyan, Nahid said that although the BNP had struggled for democracy for 16 years during the tenure of the ousted Awami League government, it has now “turned against democracy” after coming to power.

“Those who go to Lanka become Ravana,” he said, using a metaphor to criticise the ruling party. “They have now become Ravana. After tasting power, they have forgotten the sacrifices and blood of the people.”

The event was part of the triennial national conference of the labour wing of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, where Nahid attended as a special guest.

He further alleged that the current government has lost legitimacy by ignoring the votes of a large portion of the population and failing to honour commitments made during the interim period.

He cited unfulfilled pledges to enact key ordinances related to the human rights commission, police reforms, and judicial independence.

Nahid called for preparations for mass movements on the streets, saying that public pressure would be necessary to compel the government to implement demands such as a “July charter,” referendum measures, and workers’ rights.

He also accused the government of betraying public trust and described it as anti-people and anti-democratic. Despite expressing initial willingness to cooperate with the government amid ongoing global tensions, Nahid said the ruling party had undermined prospects for national unity.

The NCP leader concluded by calling for greater accountability from the prime minister and the current administration.