National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam on Tuesday alleged that Bangladesh was once again being pushed toward one-party rule, claiming his party was being prevented from speaking both inside parliament and at public gatherings.

Speaking at a roadside rally in Sakhipur, Tangail, as part of the NCP's nationwide July Awakening programme, Nahid said attempts to silence the opposition would meet the same fate as the Awami League government.

"There was one-party rule in the past. People could not speak and many were disappeared. Bangladesh is again being taken toward one-party rule," he said.

"We are not allowed to speak in parliament. When we try to address public rallies, bombs and cocktails are thrown at us. If anyone wants to establish one-party rule again, they should remember the fate of the Awami League. After ruling alone for 16 years, it fled to Delhi by helicopter."

Referring to a recent attack on an NCP programme, Nahid said those behind the violence had hoped to halt the party's march but had failed.

He also said the sacrifices made during the 2024 uprising would be meaningless if corruption, extortion, drug trafficking and looting continued under a new political order.

"The youth gave their lives for change. If there is no change, if corruption and looting continue, then those sacrifices will have no value. The people did not overthrow one party so another could engage in the same plunder," he said.

Nahid further alleged that a "case trade" had emerged across the country after August 5, with innocent businesspeople being implicated in criminal cases.

"We demanded justice. But after August 5, false cases have been used to harass innocent businessmen. Those responsible from the Awami League should face justice, but innocent people must not be victimised. Extortion and looting will not be allowed," he said.

The rally was held under the NCP's July Awakening campaign, which is promoting demands including a referendum, job creation, resolution of the power crisis, control of commodity prices and stronger border security.

Northern Region Chief Organiser Sarjis Alam, Dhaka Division Organising Secretary Saifullah Haydar and Sakhipur mayoral candidate Maulana Ansar Ali also addressed the gathering.