Nahid Islam, the Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), declared on Thursday that Bangladesh will emerge as the safest destination for minorities in South Asia by ensuring communal harmony and civil rights.
Speaking at a joining ceremony at the July Biplob Hall of Chattagram Press Club, Nahid said Bangladesh must act responsibly amid growing regional political instability and discriminatory behaviour in neighbouring countries.
He expressed concern over the recent election in West Bengal, alleging that millions of Muslim voters were deprived of citizenship and voting rights. Nahid also referred to reports of violence against Dalit and minority communities after the election.
“The persecution and disenfranchisement of Muslims in West Bengal will have a direct impact on Bangladesh,” he said.
Against the backdrop of the regional situation, he stressed the need to protect Bangladesh’s sovereignty and ensure the civil rights of Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Christians alike.
“The enemy will try to spread communal provocation and propaganda, but we must remain vigilant,” he said.
The NCP convener said only his party could implement the spirit of the July mass uprising and ensure justice over the genocide. He alleged that many political parties had spoken of reforms before the election, but their “real character” became visible afterwards.
Nahid also expressed concern over child deaths linked to the ongoing measles outbreak and demanded accountability for mismanagement in the health sector.
At the programme, NCP Chief Organiser for the South Region Hasnat Abdullah criticised the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), accusing it of betraying the sacrifices of martyrs Wasim, Abu Sayed and Mugdha.
He alleged that the BNP had been “taken over” by the Awami League, leaving many grassroots leaders and activists fearful.
The programme was chaired by NCP Chattogram Divisional Organising Secretary SM Sujauddin.
NCP Dhaka Metropolitan South Convener Ishak Sarkar, Chattogram Region Supervisor Jubairul Hassan Arif, central leader Segufta Bushra Mishma and Jubairul Alam Manik also spoke at the event, where hundreds of people from different professions joined the party.
