National Citizen Party (NCP) convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam has said the situation in the country remains somewhat stable, but a strong foundation must be established to ensure communal harmony, human dignity and stronger democratic institutions.
“We are still continuing that movement,” he said.
Nahid made the remarks at a press briefing after a view-exchange meeting with members of the Sanatan community at Dhakeshwari Temple in the capital on Friday, on the occasion of Janmashtami. NCP Joint Member Secretary and MP Nusrat Tabassum and other central leaders were present.
Nahid said the country had previously witnessed various forms of torture and oppression against minorities and ethnic communities, while the state or government remained silent and failed to take action.
“Sometimes, it indirectly supported them. Due to this, a culture of impunity was created,” he said.
“From that place, after the July uprising, we have repeatedly said that the judiciary must be strengthened. Communal harmony and human dignity must be ensured,” he added.
Nahid said the implementation of the July Charter and the verdict of the referendum would help establish the judiciary on a strong foundation.
“We think that if the July Charter and the referendum verdict are implemented, the country's judiciary will stand on a strong foundation. Through this, there will be a place for people of all communities in the country to get justice,” he said.
“All political forces, including the government and the opposition, must keep this in mind. The culture of impunity must be changed. Political and democratic institutions must be strengthened,” he added.
He said the country had a spiritual bond with people of all religions, including the Hindu community.
“Their festivals are thousands of years old, and the interaction of people of many cultures and religions in this delta has developed through interactive communication. Such a bond must be maintained,” Nahid said.
He called on followers of Sanatan Dharma to pray for the people of Bangladesh and the NCP.
