Dhaka: National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Md Nahid Islam today declared that the people of Bangladesh would unite on Victory Day tomorrow to oppose Indian hegemony and all conspiracies targeting the nation. He emphasized that the day would not be for celebration but for resistance, with rallies planned across Dhaka and the country.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Nahid was speaking at an all-party resistance rally organized by Inqilab Mancha at the Central Shaheed Minar. The event was held to protest the attempted killing of Osman Hadi. Nahid highlighted that December 16 symbolizes both victory and the onset of a prolonged journey of resistance against Indian aggression, starting from their victory in 1971.
Nahid pointed out that any belief from India about continuing political interference in Bangladesh, particularly after August 5, would be proven wrong. He referenced the shooting of Osman Hadi, stating it was not an isolated incident but an attack on the July Revolution, which has historically seen the youth of Bangladesh rise in resistance.
He conveyed that the rally demonstrated the unity of Bangladesh and the forces of the July Revolution. Nahid also questioned the moral legitimacy of the Chief Election Commissioner following recent controversial remarks, suggesting that free and fair elections under his oversight are questionable. He expressed hope for a retraction of these statements.
Furthermore, Nahid mentioned calls for the resignation of the home adviser due to a perceived loss of moral authority, citing the ongoing unstable law and order situation since August 5. He noted that participants of the July uprising have faced targeting and martyr families have been harassed without receiving justice.
The rally, which began at 3:00 pm, saw participation from leaders and activists of various political, social, and cultural organizations, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Gano Odhikar Parishad, AB Party, and Islami Andolan Bangladesh, among others.
Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Mancha and an independent aspirant for the Dhaka-8 parliamentary constituencies, was critically wounded in a daylight shooting on December 12. He was initially treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital before being transferred to Evercare Hospital. Hadi has since been flown to Singapore on an air ambulance for advanced treatment.