Photo: Collected
NCP Coordinator Nahid Islam speaks at a press conference held at Khulna Press Club on Wednesday night, addressing recent attacks on party leaders in Gopalganj and demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible.
Khulna, July 17 (V7N) – Nahid Islam, coordinator of the National Citizens Party (NCP), has accused the Awami League and its affiliated organizations of launching a premeditated militant-style attack against NCP leaders in Gopalganj. He demanded the immediate arrest of those involved within 24 hours.
Speaking at a press conference at the Khulna Press Club on Wednesday night, Nahid Islam said the attack was a calculated move by Mujibist terrorists, banned student league groups, and Awami League-backed militants aimed at killing leaders of the people’s uprising.
Nahid affirmed that despite obstacles, attacks, and assassination attempts, the party’s "July March" to build a new nation will continue as scheduled. A rally will be held on Thursday in Faridpur, followed by marches in Rajbari, Manikganj, and other districts.
In protest against the attack in Gopalganj, the NCP has called for nationwide demonstrations. Nahid stated that it has become clear to both the nation and the world that the Awami League has transformed into a fascist militant organization, no longer a democratic political party. This reality has once again been exposed through the recent incidents targeting the people's movement.
Nahid further claimed that since August 5, Gopalganj has become a stronghold for these fascist elements. He alleged that many fugitives, banned student league leaders, and accused persons nationwide have gathered in Gopalganj to plan attacks on the people’s uprising and NCP leaders.
He emphasized that before visiting any district, the NCP coordinates with the administration and obtains security clearance. The party followed the same procedure for Gopalganj, complying with all instructions regarding routes and security measures. He criticized the local law enforcement for failing to maintain order despite prior warnings and precautions.
Nahid reiterated the party's commitment to visit 64 districts within 30 days, with a rally already held in Gopalganj on Wednesday and the next scheduled in Faridpur on Thursday. The march will continue through Rajbari and Manikganj regardless of any challenges, including violence or assassination attempts. He noted that rallies in Madaripur and Shariatpur were postponed and will be rescheduled.
Responding to a question about the right to hold public meetings, Nahid asserted that it is their democratic right to organize gatherings anywhere, including Gopalganj. He urged an investigation into possible sabotage from within the administration and expressed suspicion about the authorities’ conduct.
Regarding the "March to Gopalganj," he clarified that it was part of the nationwide campaign, with the plan finalized 15-20 days earlier. Nahid accused the Awami League of orchestrating the attack deliberately and criticized the government, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies for failing to act timely.
Various student organizations and political parties have condemned the attack and assassination attempt, to which the NCP expressed gratitude.
At the press conference, prominent NCP leaders, including Akhtar Hossain, Sarjis Alam, Hasnat Abdullah, Nasiruddin Patwary, Samantha Sharmin, and Tasnim Jaras, were present.
Nahid Islam also warned that the NCP will soon respond decisively to the attack on their rally site in Gopalganj, an announcement made earlier in the day at the municipal park rally site.
The “July March to Build the Nation,” launched on July 1, continued with the Gopalganj event being obstructed by Mujibist elements, according to Nahid. He recalled that during the people's uprising, they vowed to overcome any obstruction through struggle, a fight they ultimately won. He pledged that they will respond firmly to the current harassment.
Nahid accused Mujibists of tarnishing the legacy of the Liberation War and Gopalganj itself, promising to liberate the district from their influence. He called upon supporters of the people's uprising and a new Bangladesh to ensure Gopalganj does not remain a center for these forces.
Highlighting police failure to fulfill their duties, Nahid urged citizens to take responsibility for protecting their district’s honor and the nation, just as they did during the people's uprising.
He emphasized the need to prevent discrimination against individuals from Gopalganj in future employment or other areas and pledged that the NCP would protect the rights of all religious communities in the new Bangladesh. He accused Awami League leaders of illegally occupying properties belonging to the indigenous Hindu community in Gopalganj and collaborating with them.
The rally was attended by NCP members such as Secretary Akhtar Hossain, Northern Region Chief Organizer Sarjis Alam, and Southern Region Chief Organizer Hasnat Abdullah.
END/SDA/SMA/
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