Jatiyo Jubo Shokti, the youth wing of the National Citizen Party (NCP), paid tribute to the martyrs by laying a floral wreath at the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar, marking the organization’s first official program.
The organization formally began its journey with the offering of flowers and a one-minute moment of silence at the memorial's altar at 9am on Saturday.
At the event, Jatiyo Jubo Shokti Convener Advocate Tarikul Islam said: “Jatiyo Jubo Shokti will never resemble the youth wings of other political parties. It will not be a tool to retain power. Rather, our journey has begun with the aim of engaging the country’s youth, its main driving force. Jatiyo Jubo Shokti will play a strong role against all forms of injustice. We believe our initiative will set a new precedent for the youth.”
Tarikul further said: “We have seen how the youth wings of mainstream political parties have fostered a culture of fear in society. But we are taking a different path. Jatiyo Jubo Shokti will remain vocal against any form of injustice, tender manipulation, extortion, and social crimes.”
Speaking about the current political reality in Bangladesh, Tarikul Islam said: “We are on a path of reform. The 2,000 lives sacrificed during the July uprising were for the reconstruction of the state. We believe the time has come for Bangladesh to attain its full identity as a state. To that end, the "July charter" and the "July declaration" must be formulated and granted state recognition.”
He said: “Recently, the activities of the Awami League have been banned, but banning alone is not sufficient. The government pledged to implement the "July declaration" within 30 working days, but this has yet to happen.
"We are witnessing attempts to obstruct its implementation by raising various issues. Jatiyo Jubo Shokti will take to the streets against such conspiracies. Our movement will continue until the declaration is fully implemented.”
He further said: “We will soon issue a call to action on the streets. A nationwide youth march will be held, uniting all youth organizations and conscious young citizens across the country. We will announce our detailed programs before Eid and expand Jatiyo Jubo Shokti’s presence from neighborhoods to districts and upazilas.”
Chief Organizer Engineer Farhad Sohel said: “The vast youth population of the country must play a vital role in building the state and society. Jatiyo Jubo Shokti is striving to emerge as a new kind of political force.”
At the event, senior joint member secretary of Jatiyo Jubo Shokti, Dyuti Aranya Chowdhury, said: “We will work tirelessly to ensure women's participation and empowerment in politics.”
Central leaders of Jatiyo Jubo Shokti, along with local NCP leaders and activists, were also present at the tribute ceremony.