National Citizens’ Party (NCP) convener and opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam said on Saturday that the party will remain vocal in demanding the trial of those involved in the July mass killings, enforced disappearances, calling it “crucial for the abolition of fascism.”
He made the remarks while presiding over an iftar gathering at Abahani Field in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, marking the first founding anniversary of the party.
Home Minister and BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed addressed the event as chief guest. Special guests included Road Transport, Railways, and Bridges Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam Robi, Jamaat Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Pawar, and leaders from various political parties. The welcoming speech was delivered by Ariful Islam Adib, convener of the anniversary celebration committee. Injured July fighters and members of martyr families also attended.
Reflecting on the party’s first year, Nahid Islam said NCP has progressed through multiple experiences, noting that “not only NCP, but the entire country went through multidimensional challenges in the post-mass uprising period. NCP has tried to provide the leadership needed to move the nation forward.”
He outlined one of the party’s core principles: “Revolution, Alternative, and Reconstruction.” He added that alternative leadership has emerged from the power of revolution, aiming to rebuild Bangladesh, with this year’s anniversary theme: “The country will move on a new path, and will no longer return to fascism.”
Nahid emphasized that the country has emerged from fascist rule and that the current goal is to fully establish democracy. “Necessary reforms, implementation of the July Charter, and the movement to enforce the verdict of the public referendum continue,” he said.
He also traced the backdrop of NCP’s formation, recalling the 2013 Hefazat-e-Islam movement, the 2018 quota reform and safe road movements, the anti-VAT movement, the Pilkhana massacre, and the continuity of anti-discrimination student movements. “NCP was born on February 28, 2025, against this backdrop. The mass uprising is our root, and our journey began from there,” he said.
On future programs Nahid said the party’s main focus is the upcoming local government elections and called on party leaders and activists to prepare. Strengthening the grassroots organization and expanding political achievements remain key objectives.
Although NCP won six seats in the last election, Nahid said the party was not satisfied and aimed for greater success. He also expressed hope for the formation of a Reform Council and parliamentary approval of caretaker government laws and ordinances.
Concluding his speech, he thanked voters for their support and urged everyone’s prayers and cooperation to build a non-discriminatory, democratic Bangladesh.
