A national rally of July martyrs and injured protesters was held at Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital on Saturday, organized by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, demanding implementation of the July Charter based on a referendum.
Family members of those killed in the July uprising, along with thousands of injured participants, attended the rally.
Speaking as a special guest, National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and opposition Chief Whip Md Nahid Islam said the people of Bangladesh had aspired for change through the July uprising and pledged that authoritarian rule would not return.
He alleged that the BNP has been obstructing reform efforts since August 5, even after joining the consensus commission, by expressing dissent on key reform proposals.
Claiming that BNP has distanced itself from the referendum despite earlier support, Nahid said: “A party born through a referendum is now denying that very process after the mass uprising.”
He warned that attempts to politicize state institutions could lead the country down a path similar to past authoritarian rule. “If such a path is pursued, people—especially the youth and students—will be forced to take to the streets again,” he said.
Nahid also criticized the government’s handling of the economy and energy sector, alleging denial of existing crises. “We were ready to cooperate in the interest of the country, but the government is closing all avenues of cooperation,” he added.
Questioning the government’s public support, he said: “It is difficult to recall any government in Bangladesh’s history becoming so unpopular in such a short time.”
He reiterated that their primary demand is the implementation of the July Charter in line with the referendum, respect for the uprising, and justice for the families of those dead.
Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman, Liberal Democratic Party Chairman Col (retd) Oli Ahmed, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Ameer Maulana Mamunul Haque, and other leaders of the 11-party alliance also addressed the rally.