National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Saturday said that justice for mass killings and necessary reforms must come before elections.
“We will bring those who committed mass killing to justice. On this very soil of Bengal, we will ensure justice for the killings of our brothers—shot by Sheikh Hasina, the Awami League, and the police. Justice and reform must come before elections. They say justice will take time, but the process must begin. Justice must be visible. And no matter which government comes to power, this justice cannot be interfered with,” Nahid said while speaking at a discussion with the families of the martyrs of the July uprising at the Parjatan Motel in Bogra.
Addressing the families of the July uprising martyrs, Nahid said: “We know the loss your families have suffered cannot be compensated, no matter what the world offers. Your family members became martyrs for the country. They were martyred for the liberation of the people, for the sake of freedom.
“Pharaohs never remained in power forever. Tyrants always fall—sooner or later. This time too, the fall of that Pharaoh has come. Now we want to build a country for which the martyrs sacrificed their lives, a free nation without autocracy. For that, we will have to continue our struggle.”
He remarked that autocrats can never remain in power indefinitely. “This time, the aspiration has been fulfilled. There will be no more autocracy in the country. We may need to continue our struggle to ensure that, and for this purpose, we have formed our party, the NCP.”
He continued: “Our relationship with you is not limited to politics. It extends beyond that. We want to stand by you,” he said, adding, “Much has happened over the past year, and due to various reasons, including being in government, we could not act sooner. But today, we promise a lifelong bond with you.”
Nahid Islam stated that when the NCP called for a mass uprising, people across the country took to the streets in response. “They became martyrs for the sake of the country and its independence.”
He said that while justice for the July movement might be a long process, it must begin and be made visible. “A roadmap for justice must also be provided. The state must ensure the political, economic, and social security of the families of the martyrs and the injured.”
He further asserted that elections resembling those of 2014, 2018, or 2024 would no longer be accepted. “This is not just for the current government. Any future government must acknowledge this as well. That is why we are calling for the July Declaration. It will include mention of the martyrs and their families, and it will be incorporated into the constitution. It will also outline what reforms Bangladesh needs. We are marching across the country with these two demands.”