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An 11-party opposition alliance in Bangladesh has declared that public trust in the current government has plummeted over the past six months, citing widespread mismanagement and critical shortages. Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and the alliance's chief whip, presented this assessment at a press briefing following a meeting of top leaders in Dhaka.

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It all started with the failure to implement the public mandate of the referendum and the refusal to take oath for the Constitution Reform Council.

Islam detailed the alliance's grievances, beginning with the government's alleged failure to implement the public mandate from a referendum and its refusal to join the Constitution Reform Council. He stated that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's promise to stabilize the nation and economy upon returning to the country has proven hollow, with the government's entire 180-day tenure marked by mismanagement.

The NCP convener pointed to severe load-shedding affecting the entire country, including the capital, reaching unprecedented levels. He also highlighted fuel and gas shortages leading to factory shutdowns and deep concern among business owners. Furthermore, a fertilizer crisis is severely impacting farmers, exacerbating the economic hardship. Islam criticized the government for attempting to portray its first 180 days as successful, calling it "outright deception."

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It is now evident that the government’s entire 180 days have been rife with mismanagement.

The alliance also took aim at the government's foreign policy, describing it as "lacking confidence." Islam specifically criticized the government for failing to hold India accountable for allowing the Awami League to hold a press briefing in Delhi. The alliance stated that fostering good relations with Bangladesh is impossible while such activities are permitted. They also declared that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to India would not benefit the country until the Awami League issue is resolved and justice is served for Sheikh Hasina and Osman Hadi's killers.

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On one hand, they face the burden of extortion, on the other, they are not receiving gas and electricity. Meanwhile, a fertiliser crisis has emerged, severely affecting farmers.

The meeting's primary focus was the alliance's upcoming long march program, scheduled to commence on September 5. The first march will run from Dhaka to Chattogram, followed by another from Dhaka to Rangpur on September 19. Key opposition figures, including Jamaat Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Shafiqur Rahman, attended the meeting.

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While the overall situation of the country is in this state, the government, instead of acknowledging these issues, is trying to paint a picture of 180 days of success, which is outright deception.