Rangpur: Convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), Nahid Islam, emphasized that justice, reform, and a new constitution are essential to building a new Bangladesh. “We are fighting to build a new Bangladesh where there will be no more discrimination, fascism, injustice, extortion, terrorism. Students and youth must come forward to build this new country upholding the spirit of the July Uprising,” he stated during recent rallies and public exchanges in Rangpur division.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Nahid Islam made these remarks during the NCP’s tours of all eight districts of Rangpur division from July 1 to July 4 as part of a month-long program, ‘July Walkathon for Building the Nation’. The events attracted hundreds of people, including students, youth, and workers, who pledged support to the NCP’s efforts to create a discrimination-free nation. Nahid Islam and other central NCP leaders engaged with rural communities, including farmers, workers, and shopkeepers.
The NCP’s July walkathon, led by Nahid Islam, began by honoring martyred Abu Sayeed at his grave in Babanpur, marking the July Uprising’s anniversary. The martyred student’s death on July 16 last year catalyzed the movement that led to the fall of the dictatorship. Islam reiterated the NCP’s commitment to fulfilling Abu Sayeed’s vision for a new Bangladesh through the walkathon.
During a press conference, Nahid Islam highlighted the martyrdom of Abu Sayeed as pivotal in the movement against fascism, which saw thousands take to the streets. He emphasized the importance of the July Declaration and Charter in building a new Bangladesh and warned against the resurgence of fear in the country.
Throughout the walkathon, Nahid Islam addressed rallies, met with locals, and called for structural reforms and a new constitution to replace the existing one influenced by the Awami League and Mujibist ideologies. He advocated for a politics centered on citizen rights and aspirations, rejecting a mere change of power in favor of a new political settlement.
During his interactions, Nahid Islam stressed the importance of addressing regional disparities and ensuring balanced resource distribution across the country. He called for the implementation of the Teesta Master Plan and highlighted the plight of marginalized communities, particularly in grain-producing regions like Dinajpur.
The NCP’s commitment to a new Bangladesh involves eradicating economic and regional disparities and recognizing the sacrifices of those martyred and injured during the July Uprising. Nahid Islam assured that the July Declaration would be formally incorporated into the constitution to honor these sacrifices.