NCP Convener Md Nahid Islam on Wednesday said the country had yet to realise the aspirations of the July uprising, stressing the need for justice, reforms and implementation of pledged commitments.
He made the remarks at the launch of a month-long programme, marking the second anniversary of the July uprising.
The programme began with a visit and prayer at the mass grave of July martyrs at Rayerbazar in the capital.
NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, South Region Chief Organiser Hasnat Abdullah, North Region Chief Organiser Sarjis Alam, Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, among other senior leaders, were present.
Speaking to reporters after the programme, Nahid Islam said the vision of the July uprising remained unfulfilled.
“Two years have passed since the July uprising. We had said we would build a discrimination-free, democratic new Bangladesh through justice for the July killings and reforms. That Bangladesh has not yet been achieved,” he said.
Referring to a recent tribunal verdict in a case involving former minister Hasanul Haq Inu, he expressed dissatisfaction, saying it had failed to deliver justice to victims and their families.
He alleged that Inu was involved in supporting the July “mass killings” and said the punishment was inadequate.
“We believe the 10-year sentence in three cases is not sufficient. We urge the authorities to file an appeal for a harsher punishment,” he added.
Nahid also reiterated demands for bringing former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and others accused of involvement in the July incidents back to the country for trial.
“We expect those who fled to India, including Sheikh Hasina and others linked to the July killings, to be brought back and tried. The death penalty verdict should be implemented,” he said.
He further said implementation of the “July Charter”, structural reforms, and referendum-backed commitments were essential to achieving the goals of the uprising.
Calling for meaningful observance of the July anniversary, Nahid said symbolic programmes alone were not sufficient and urged the government to implement reforms that reflect the aspirations of the movement.
He also warned that if the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum was not opened by 5 August, the public would take steps to open it themselves.
Paying tribute to the victims, Nahid named several martyrs, including Abu Sayeed, Mugdho, Wasim and Farhan Faiyaz, and remembered thousands of unnamed participants from across the country.
He also acknowledged the contributions of students, workers, women, professionals, teachers, journalists, expatriates and members of various professions who took part in the movement.
Senior NCP leaders present included Dhaka North Convener Ariful Islam Adib, Joint Convener Ali Ahsan Junayed, Joint Member Secretary Akram Hossain CF, Advocate Abdullah Al Amin MP, Jubo Shakti President Advocate Tarikul Islam, Organising Secretary Rifat Rashid, Dhaka South Convener Ishaq Sarkar and Member Secretary SM Shahriar, among others.
