National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam has called upon the nation to build the Bangladesh envisioned by martyrs like Abrar Fahad, Abu Sayeed, and Mugdho.
He stated, “After the quota reform and road safety movements in 2018, Abrar Fahad’s murder in 2019 became a pivotal moment in national politics. The protests following his death reshaped Bangladesh’s political landscape, reigniting the struggle against Indian hegemony.”
Nahid made these remarks during an exchange with journalists after he and other party leaders arrived at Raydanga village in Kaya Union, Kumarkhali, Kushtia, on Tuesday afternoon to pay respects at Abrar’s grave. The leaders also spoke with Abrar’s parents, Barkat Ullah and Rokeya Khatun, as well as local residents.
Following the visit, they departed for Kushtia to join a procession on NS Road, after which the leaders headed toward Meherpur district.
These processions are part of “July March to Build a Better Nation”, the NCP’s nationwide campaign demanding people’s rights, structural state reforms, and a new constitution. As part of this program, NCP leaders held street rallies and marches across Kushtia on Tuesday, having arrived in the district Monday night.
Others present at Abrar’s graveside and the subsequent discussions included Senior Joint Convener Samanta Sharmin, Joint Convener Atiq Mujahid, Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, Senior Joint Member Secretary Tasnim Zara, Northern Chief Organiser Sarjis Alam, Saifullah Haider, Asadullah Al Galib, Abu Saeed Leon, Southern Chief Organiser Hasnat Abdullah, Mahmuda Alam Mitu, Mohammad Ataullah, Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, Central Member Fihadur Rahman Dibosh, and local leaders from Kushtia.
The murder of Abrar Fahad
Abrar Fahad, a second-year electrical engineering student at BUET’s Sher-e-Bangla Hall, was brutally tortured and murdered on October 6, 2019, by Chhatra League cadres. The attack followed his Facebook posts criticising unequal treaties between Bangladesh and India, particularly on water-sharing. His body was later found on the dormitory stairs.
The incident sparked nationwide outrage, leading to a murder case where 25 people were charged. On September 15, 2020, the court indicted the accused, sentencing 20 to death and five to life imprisonment.