The National Citizens Party (NCP) formally began its fresh "July movement" on Tuesday by visiting the grave of Shaheed Abu Sayed, the first martyr of the July protests, in Babnupur village under Pirganj upazila of Rangpur.
NCP convener Nahid Islam, speaking to reporters after offering prayers at the grave around 11am, said the July movement was never solely about toppling the government.
This movement aimed to annul the old constitution and introduce a new one through judicial reforms and elections, he said.
Criticising the government for failing to implement the July Charter, he added: “We will take this demand to the people across the country. Many thought the July movement ended, and people returned home. They are living in a fool’s paradise. The people did not rise merely for regime change—they fought for administrative reforms and justice. With the people, we will ensure the July Charter is implemented at any cost.”
Recalling the roots of the protests, Nahid Islam said: “A year ago, we started this struggle under the banner of the anti-discrimination movement, which sparked a mass uprising. The death of Abu Sayed on July 16 added a new dimension. When he stood with his chest out and arms spread before police bullets, embracing death, it created an inspiration that will endure for generations.”
He said the movement’s waves spread nationwide, ultimately leading to the fall of the “fascist government.”
“By visiting Shaheed Abu Sayed’s grave today, we have launched our July march. We will go to the people everywhere with our demand for a new administrative structure. We will return home only after achieving our goals,” he declared, urging citizens to stand by the movement.
NCP member secretary Akhtar Hossain echoed this resolve.
“Touching the grave of Shaheed Abu Sayed, we pledge to discard the Mujibist constitution and secure the demand for a new constitution and Constituent elections. The successes achieved through the sacrifices of thousands will dismantle the old framework and build a new Bangladesh,” he said.
Earlier at around 10:30am, NCP leaders visited the home of Shaheed Abu Sayed, where his elderly father Mokbul Hossain and other family members received them warmly.
The delegation included Convener Nahid Islam, Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, Chief Organiser Hasnat Abdullah, Sarjis Alam, NCP Leader Nasir Uddin Patwari, among others. They first visited the grave, offered prayers, and then spoke with Abu Sayed’s father, mother Menayara Begum, elder brother Ramzan Ali, and other relatives, assuring them of their continued support.
Following the visit, the NCP leaders departed Rangpur for Gaibandha to continue their campaign.
