We will return home only after Tarique Rahman resigns: Nasiruddin Patwary
NCP Leader Signals Push for One-Point Demand Against Tarique Rahman
Bdbusinessdaily.com – The National Citizen Party’s chief coordinator, Nasiruddin Patwary, has said the 11-party alliance may ultimately concentrate its current eight-point campaign on a single demand: the resignation of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Patwary made the remarks on 19 September at a roadside gathering in Palashbari, Gaibandha, during the alliance’s Dhaka-Rangpur long march. The programme began in Dhaka in the morning and was designed to carry the coalition’s political and public-interest demands across the route toward Rangpur.
“We are waiting to see when we can turn our eight-point demand into one point. That one point is the resignation of Tarique Rahman. We will return home only after Tarique Rahman resigns.”
His statement indicated that the alliance views its wider list of demands as potentially leading to a direct political confrontation with the government. The eight demands cover issues ranging from accountability and public safety to essential supplies, price pressures and regional development.
Long March Begins From Dhaka
The convoy departed Dhaka at around 8am after an initial rally at Manik Mia Avenue, where senior alliance leaders spoke to supporters. The journey formed part of a coordinated effort by the 11-party alliance to build public support outside the capital while highlighting its agenda in towns along the Dhaka-Rangpur route.
Among the coalition’s demands are implementation of the referendum verdict and prosecution of those responsible for the July killings. It has also called for action to address shortages of electricity, fuel, gas and fertiliser, all of which can directly affect households, transport, farming and business activity.
The alliance is additionally demanding measures to contain increases in the cost of essential goods. Its platform includes calls to end corruption, extortion and land grabbing; strengthen law and order; stop what it describes as narrow partisan practices; and implement the Teesta Master Plan.
By combining political demands with concerns over services and prices, the alliance is presenting the long march as a campaign that reaches beyond party competition. The stated demands touch on issues that are closely linked to daily life, particularly where energy supplies, agricultural inputs and food costs are concerned.
Patwary Rejects Pressure From BNP Figures
Speaking to those gathered in Palashbari, Patwary said his party would not be intimidated by leaders or affiliated groups connected with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.
“Are we afraid of Salahuddin Ahmed, Tarique Rahman, Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal or BNP? We do not have time to count anyone. We will not bow down to BNP under any circumstances.”
The comments sharpened the political language of the march and framed the alliance as unwilling to compromise with BNP. Patwary also said a mass rally would be held in Dhaka after the long march reaches the capital, where the alliance would seek to bring the dispute to a conclusion.
“Prime minister travels around by helicopter and red bus, yet our single vehicle causes him to lose his temper.”
That criticism was directed at what Patwary portrayed as an uneven response to the alliance’s political activity. His remarks came as the coalition continued its effort to make the long march a visible demonstration of support for its eight demands.
Comparison With Ziaur Rahman
Patwary also drew a contrast between Tarique Rahman and his father, former president Ziaur Rahman. The comparison was one of the strongest personal attacks in his address and reflected the confrontational tone adopted by the alliance during the programme.
“Where is Ziaur Rahman and where is Tarique Rahman? One gave his life for the people of the country, while the other has colluded with India.”
The statement represents Patwary’s political allegation and was delivered in the context of the alliance’s campaign. It adds to the movement’s central message that the current leadership should be held accountable for the issues identified in its platform.
The Teesta Master Plan is among the alliance’s notable regional demands. Its inclusion connects the march to development concerns in northern Bangladesh, where water management and the Teesta river remain important public issues. The alliance’s call for its implementation places a specific regional project alongside nationwide demands on governance, prices and public services.
A Campaign With Political and Economic Themes
The long march brings together demands that range from immediate economic concerns to broader questions about political conduct and accountability. The alliance’s focus on electricity, fuel, gas and fertiliser shortages highlights sectors that can affect both urban consumers and rural producers. Its emphasis on essential commodity prices similarly speaks to the pressure that higher costs can place on household budgets.
At the same time, demands concerning the referendum verdict, the July killings, corruption, extortion, land grabbing and law and order give the movement a wider political dimension. The alliance is seeking not only policy responses but also changes in how it says power, public security and accountability should be handled.
Patwary’s suggestion that the eight-point programme could become a one-point movement signals the possibility of a more focused campaign if the alliance decides its broader demands are not being met. For now, the coalition’s long march remains organised around all eight demands, with further mobilisation expected after participants return to Dhaka.
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