Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam on Saturday expressed optimism that the government, with the support of the people, will be able to overcome the country’s ongoing power and energy crisis.

He also alleged that the previous government had handed over control of 98 percent of Bangladesh’s gas resources to a particular country, describing the move as a “suicidal decision” that, along with mismanagement of the energy sector, contributed to the current gas crisis.

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The Chief Whip made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion organised by Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Sangskritik Dal at the Abdus Salam Hall of the National Press Club on Saturday, marking the second anniversary of the July Mass Uprising.

Nurul Islam said the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) had overcome various crises in the past and brought stability to the country.

Recalling the tenure of late President Ziaur Rahman, he said the country had been suffering from famine when Zia took charge, but within three years Bangladesh was turned into a food-exporting country.

He expressed confidence that the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman would also be able to put the country’s fragile economy on a strong footing, but stressed the need for collective support to run the country properly.

The Chief Whip alleged that around Tk 30 lakh crore had been siphoned out of the country during the previous regime. Such a huge amount, he said, could have financed several national budgets.

He called for national unity to reverse what he described as a long-running process of deliberately weakening the country’s economy and state institutions.

“Autocracy did not only take away people’s freedom of expression, it also destroyed their hopes and dreams,” he said, adding that people’s aspirations for a better future had been systematically undermined.

Nurul Islam said that despite 54 years of independence, Bangladesh had yet to institutionalise democracy properly.

To strengthen and institutionalise democracy, he said, people’s right to food, freedom of expression and accountability of state institutions must be ensured.

He said the government, under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s direction, had reduced people’s suffering and distress over the past five and a half months compared with the previous period.

The government, he added, was working relentlessly to stand by ordinary people and address various crises.

Speaking about those killed and injured during the July Mass Uprising, the Chief Whip said the government would ensure all-out support for the families of those who were killed.

He also pledged necessary medical treatment for the injured and employment opportunities according to their qualifications.

Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Sangskritik Dal President Humayun Kabir Bepari chaired the discussion, which was also addressed by actor Babul Ahmed and other leaders of the organisation.

Political figures, cultural personalities, journalists and people from different professions attended the event.