National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam on Thursday said they will not allow any “autocrat or oppressor” to remain in power in Bangladesh, even if they have to make sacrifices.

“Even at the cost of our blood, we will not allow any new autocrat or oppressor to stay in power in Bangladesh – never, never, never,” he said while addressing the party’s “July March” programme in Kanaighat upazila of Sylhet in the evening.

Nahid also criticised Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, saying he returned home in December last year mentioning that he had a plan. “Is this your plan?”

Referring to a college student who allegedly lost an eye in an attack in Habiganj, he alleged that supporters of Whip GK Gouse attacked him and damaged one of his eyes with rods. “He is a young man, a July fighter. His eye must be returned.”

The NCP leader said hundreds of his fellow protesters lost their eyes or were injured during the previous Awami League government, adding that Sheikh Hasina is now living in exile in Delhi.

He also warned that the people of Bangladesh will not accept any damage to the eyes of anyone.

Nahid said they will not leave the streets until justice is ensured for the injured youth.

“We respect Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia. But we will not accept using their pictures and posters as a cover for committing terrorism, grabbing land or occupying property,” he said.

The NCP convener called for ensuring people’s right to freedom of expression, employment and food, while also demanding reforms and justice.

Addressing residents of Kanaighat, he warned that attempts could be made to manipulate the upcoming local government elections through “musclemen and terrorists.”

“We could not prevent the engineering in the national election, but we will not allow any manipulation, musclemen or terrorists in the local government elections,” Nahid said.

He urged people to remain prepared and vote for suitable representatives in the upcoming local government polls.