Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP) Nahid Islam has said that there are many ethnic communities in Bangladesh, but the constitution has failed to give equal recognition to all. “Mujibism has divided us in many ways. A new Bangladesh will be built within the framework of the Bangladesh path,” he said.
He stated, “The Constitution of ’72 was not universal. It was a Mujibist constitution. It was a fascist constitution. That is why we want a constitution that ensures the cultural integrity of all ethnic groups and religious communities.”
He made these remarks as the chief guest at a rally held on Saturday night in the Sonali Bank area of Bandarban district town. Although he was scheduled to arrive in Bandarban at 5pm, his journey was significantly delayed due to obstructions in Cox’s Bazar.
Special guest at the rally was Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari. Among others present were Southern Region’s Chief Organiser Hasnat Abdullah, NCP Senior Joint Convener Samanta Sharmin, NCP Senior Joint Member Secretary Tasnim Zara, NCP Joint Secretary Nahida Sarwar Niva, Coordinator of Chattogram’s Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Khan Talat Mahmud Rafi, and NCP Regional Supervisor and Joint Chief Organiser Imon Syed.
Nasiruddin Patwari said, “A new constitution must be drafted in Bangladesh. There are issues in Bandarban’s education and health sectors. Political parties have benefited their own cadres while depriving the general public.”
Hasnat Abdullah remarked, “After ’72, the attempt was made to assimilate different ethnic identities into a singular Bengali identity. There was a conspiracy to destabilise the hills. To build a new Bangladesh, everyone must unite.”
“We will eliminate ethnic divisions and establish dignity for all. Those who have plundered must be brought to justice,” he added.
District Chief Coordinator Md Shahidur Rahman Sohel said, “With the arrival of national leaders in Bandarban, the NCP will grow stronger here.”
Meanwhile, on the occasion of the march and rally, party leaders and activists from all seven upazilas of the district joined the gathering carrying banners and festoons. Strict security was enforced in the district town to prevent any untoward incidents during the rally.