National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam has warned of laying siege to Petrobangla if the government increases gas prices. Criticizing the government’s energy policy, he said the administration has raised fuel prices several times within just five months, while consumers continue to pay gas bills despite inadequate supply.

Nahid made the remarks while speaking to journalists on Friday (July 31) after visiting Alif Chowdhury, who lost an eye during recent clashes in Habiganj, at the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital in Agargaon, Dhaka.

Referring to the attack on NCP leaders and activists in Habiganj, Nahid alleged that no organizational or legal action had been taken against those responsible.

“The government has sent a message that members of the Chhatra Dal and Jubo Dal can assault anyone without facing consequences,” he said, adding that “the true character of the ruling party’s MPs becomes evident when visiting local areas.”

He further alleged that terrorism, extortion, and land grabbing have become widespread across the country and claimed that party loyalists had been appointed to 12 institutions.

Providing an update on Alif Chowdhury’s condition, Nahid said doctors would give a detailed assessment of his health after a medical board meeting scheduled for Saturday (August 1).