Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and Opposition Chief Whip, Nahid Islam said that justice for the July massacre and the implementation of necessary reforms must be ensured in Bangladesh.
He said, NCP must carry out this responsibility both in parliament and on the streets. Many women actively participated in the movement from the streets and their rights must be protected.
He made these remarks as the chief guest at a joining ceremony of the NCP held at the July Smriti Hall of Chattogram Press Club on Thursday afternoon.
Nahid Islam said, outbreak of measles has increased in Bangladesh. We do not want to see another child die from measles. Government to ensure adequate healthcare services.
Referring to the West Bengal election, he said Bangladesh’s responsibilities have increased following the election results there. According to him, Bangladesh must act responsibly to protect its independence, sovereignty, and the security and civil rights of people of all religions and communities.
He said, West Bengal election is an internal matter of India, and they do not want to comment on the election itself. However, he alleged that several hundred thousand voters were stripped of citizenship before the election and prevented from voting, most of whom belonged to Muslim and Matua communities.
Nahid Islam said, “I have also raised this issue in parliament. Muslims are being persecuted there, and their voting rights are being taken away. Its impact may also affect Bangladesh.” He also alleged that Muslims, Matuas, Dalits and other minority communities faced persecution in West Bengal even after the election.
Mentioning concerns over communal provocation and propaganda in Bangladesh, Nahid Islam said, “We want to clearly state that Bangladesh’s responsibility has increased after the West Bengal election results. Bangladesh must behave responsibly. We must ensure the security and civil rights of Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians in this country.”
He said anti-Bangladesh and anti-state forces would attempt to spread provocation, communalism, and propaganda, and everyone must remain alert against such activities.
Nahid Islam said, “We will prove that Bangladesh will become the safest place for minorities in South Asia.” He added that Bangladesh must take responsibility for all communities, including Muslims, Dalits, and Matuas, and speak in favor of their rights.
Welcoming the new members joining the NCP in Chattogram, he urged party leaders and activists to remain united. He said, “Those who are joining today and those who are already with us must pledge that we will not create internal conflicts. Regardless of where we come from, we will work together under the NCP banner according to merit. Unity is our greatest strength.”
At the event, NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah said that the BNP has now taken an anti-reform position and has been “hijacked” by the Awami League.
He said, “At a time when a political storm is sweeping across the country, Chattogram has managed to preserve the spirit of the movement.” He thanked the party leaders and activists of Chattogram for this.
Criticizing BNP’s current political position, Hasnat Abdullah said, after coming to power, BNP had shifted to an anti-reform stance. He claimed that BNP activists who endured financial hardship, repression, imprisonment, and struggle over the past 17 years are now frustrated and deprived, and many of them are interested in joining the NCP. He said genuine reformists and patriots should be brought under the NCP banner.
Referring to the role of women in the July movement in Chattogram, he said women had shown extraordinary bravery during the movement, but later they were not properly evaluated or politically organized. He called for strengthening women’s leadership.
Highlighting Chattogram’s political importance, Hasnat Abdullah said whenever movements in Dhaka reached a standstill, Chattogram reignited momentum. He also mentioned that if Bangladesh does not undergo structural transformation within the next 10 years, Nahid Islam would leave politics.
At the end of the gathering, leaders and activists chanted the slogan, “Inquilab Zindabad.”