Tangail, July 29 (V7N) - On Tuesday, July 29, National Citizens’ Party (NCP) Convenor Nahid Islam addressed a rally in Tangail, declaring that “we broke free from West Pakistan, not to submit to Indian dominance.” He invoked the legacy of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, emphasizing that Bhashani not only resisted the ruling elite of Pakistan but also opposed regional hegemony from Delhi.

Speaking as the chief guest at a brief assembly during the NCP's "July March" held in the Nirala Mor area of Tangail town, Islam stated that every inch of Tangail’s soil bears witness to historic political struggles. He recalled that Tangail was the birthplace of many pivotal movements under the leadership of Bhashani—a leader he described as not only a political icon of Bangladesh but also of the entire South Asian subcontinent.

He emphasized Bhashani’s pioneering efforts in advocating for the rights of Bengali Muslim farmers in Assam and recognized him as a grassroots leader who foresaw the impossibility of Bengali survival under West Pakistani rule. Referring to the historic Kagmari Conference, Islam said it marked the beginning of the end for Pakistan's authoritarian grip over East Bengal.

According to Islam, history has failed to properly acknowledge leaders like Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Huq and Maulana Bhashani, despite their foundational contributions. He asserted that even Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was a political successor to Bhashani’s ideological legacy and credited Bhashani as one of the masterminds behind the 1969 mass uprising in East Pakistan.

Nahid Islam further stated that the NCP aspires to position itself as a political alternative by embracing Bhashani’s ideology. He also condemned the recent violence in a subdistrict of Rangpur, where homes belonging to members of the Hindu community were attacked and looted. “Our Prophet never taught us to harm people of other faiths,” he said. “Those responsible for these acts had political—not religious—motives, and must face justice. Similarly, those who made offensive remarks about our Prophet must also be held accountable.”

He added that the country currently lacks a strong farmers’ organization and that the absence of such representation leaves farmers without a platform to demand fair prices, government subsidies, or their rightful dues. Islam demanded a Bangladesh where farmers receive their deserved entitlements.

Addressing cultural and intellectual property concerns, Islam criticized India’s West Bengal for obtaining the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Tangail sarees. “How could India claim GI rights to something so deeply rooted in Bangladeshi heritage? Tangail sarees belong to us. The GI recognition must be revoked immediately,” he demanded. He also called for the revival of the traditional weaving industry.

In the same rally, North Region Chief Organizer Sarjis Alam stated that the post-2024 administration of Bangladesh must serve the people—not any particular political party or faction. He emphasized that institutions like the police and media should operate in the public interest, rather than being tools for extortion or propaganda. “We reject a future where media outlets serve as mouthpieces for elites,” he said.

The meeting was chaired by North Region Organizer Azad Khan Bhashani and moderated by NCP's Chief Coordinator Nasir Uddin Patwari. Other notable participants included South Region Organizer Hasnat Abdullah, Senior Joint Convenor Samata Sharmin, Senior Joint Member Secretary Dr. Tasnim Zara, Senior Member Secretary Saraya Niva, and Dr. Tajnuva Zabin.

Prior to the rally, party leaders held discussions with families of the July Movement’s martyrs and injured, commemorating their sacrifices and reaffirming the party’s commitment to justice and social reform.

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