Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP) Nahid Islam has called for nationwide mobilisation at Central Shaheed Minar on August 3 to establish justice, implement reforms, and build a new Bangladesh, declaring that the July Charter and July Declaration will be formally adopted.
Speaking at a rally in Sylhet, Nahid emphasised that “Sylhet will become one of NCP’s key strongholds in the new Bangladesh we envision,” praising how Sylhet’s residents had already demonstrated their commitment to this vision.
The address followed NCP’s “July March to Rebuild the Nation” that culminated at Sylhet Central Shaheed Minar on Friday afternoon. Nahid highlighted Sylhet’s historic sacrifices, noting how the region had preserved Bangladesh’s cultural heritage while playing pivotal roles in both the July mass uprising and Liberation War.
“Sylhetis voted to join East Bengal in 1947, yet faced systematic betrayal – first under British rule, then Pakistan, and continuing through Awami League governance that deprived them of benefits from their own natural resources like gas and sandstones,” he stated.
Paying tribute to Sylhet’s martyrs, including journalist ATM Turab among 17 who died in the July uprising, Nahid declared: “We make our pledge upon their blood to rebuild Bangladesh from this historic soil.”
He particularly acknowledged the diaspora’s contributions, noting that “Sylhetis constitute most Bangladeshis in London. Just as you’ve conquered foreign lands, you’ve uplifted Sylhet. Your remittances power our economy, and we’ll fight for your voting rights and policy influence.”
NCP leaders outlined key agendas during the rally. Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari clarified that, while not inherently anti-BNP, the party would ruthlessly combat extortion networks and syndicates.
Addressing Sylhet’s tea workers’ plight, he promised “NCP will ensure plantation profits reach labourers, not just owners.” Hasnat Abdullah criticised Bangladesh’s historical power dynamics: “This nation has cycled between bureaucratic, business and military control – never truly belonging to its people. We intend to change that.”
He also cautioned against media figures who had prospered under Awami League patronage.
The event, initially planned as an extensive procession from Chowhatta, was shortened due to extreme heat, concluding with the rally at Shaheed Minar. Senior leaders including Sarjis Alam, Hasnat Abdullah, and Golam Mortuza Selim joined Nahid in emphasising core principles: Formalising the July Charter and the July Declaration, rectifying historical injustices against regions like Sylhet, securing expatriate voting rights, and creating an equitable economic system – particularly for exploited tea garden workers.