Jhenaidah, July 10 (V7N) — Nahid Islam, Convener of Bangladesh's Nationalist Citizens Party (NCP), has accused India’s Border Security Force (BSF) of becoming a “killing machine,” citing a long history of alleged cross-border shootings. Speaking at a street rally in Jhenaidah on Wednesday evening as part of the party’s ongoing “Desh Gorhtey July Podojatra” (July March to Rebuild the Nation), Nahid stated that BSF has killed numerous Bangladeshi civilians along the border since 2000, and such acts must no longer go unchallenged.
“We cannot stop the killings until we stand up to the BSF,” Nahid said, emphasizing the need for a strong political stance against continued border violence.
During the same event at the city’s Poyra Square, NCP’s Chief Organizer for the Southern Region, Hasnat Abdullah, warned against another military-backed political intervention like the 1/11 (January 11, 2007) episode, which disrupted democratic processes in the country. “We want peaceful elections,” he said, “but before that, reform is essential, and justice must be served—especially for Sheikh Hasina’s alleged crimes.”
Other speakers at the rally included NCP’s Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari, Northern Region Chief Organizer Sarjis Alam, Senior Joint Member Secretary Dr. Tasnim Zarah, Joint Member Secretary Tarek Reza, and Mahin Sarkar.
Earlier in the day, addressing another gathering at Altaibah Mor in Alamdanga, Chuadanga, Akhtar Hossain emphasized the importance of systemic political reform. “Without restructuring the state, building a new Bangladesh is impossible. We aim to establish a political force that guarantees equal civic rights for people of all classes and faiths,” he said.
He also referred to reports in international media alleging that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina directly ordered extrajudicial killings. “Those responsible for mass atrocities in Bangladesh will be held accountable. India too, which shelters Hasina, will one day have to answer before history,” Akhtar added.
Despite adverse weather, local students from educational institutions in Hatboalia lined the streets to greet NCP leaders. However, Sarjis Alam reminded them during a street-side address, “We are honored by your support, but education must remain your top priority. Skipping classes for rallies is not acceptable.”
The day’s events concluded in Chuadanga’s Boro Bazar area, after which central NCP leaders visited the home of a farmer who was reportedly shot dead by BSF along the Damurhuda border, expressing condolences to the bereaved family.
The NCP’s July March is drawing attention across the country, particularly for its confrontational stance against Indian border actions and its call for electoral and judicial reforms in Bangladesh. The party’s leadership has pledged to continue visiting affected communities and voicing concerns over national sovereignty, democratic integrity, and human rights violations.
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