At a fiery rally in Jhenaidah’s Payra Square, National Citizen Party (NCP) leaders declared their refusal to accept any elections before the trial of July Uprising genocide perpetrators and comprehensive reform of what they termed the “Mujibbad” constitution.
The Wednesday evening gathering, part of NCP’s ongoing “July March to Build the Nation” campaign, saw senior party figures unite in condemning the current political system while vowing to continue their reform movement.
Central Convener Nahid Islam set the tone by asserting that the people’s unity against “extortionists, oppressors, and occupiers” had become invincible, emphasising that the 2024 mass uprising wasn’t meant to simply replace Hasina’s regime with another authoritarian government.
NCP leadership made clear their three non-negotiable demands: immediate genocide trials for July crackdown perpetrators, complete constitutional overhaul, and the rejection of any electoral process before these reforms are implemented.
Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain reminded attendees that while they had successfully removed Hasina’s regime on what people popularly refer to as “July 36th”, the nation remains trapped in what he described as anti-people governance.
“Our work has only just begun to rebuild every state institution from the ground up,” Hossain declared to roaring applause.
The BBC’s recent investigative report alleging Hasina’s direct orders to shoot protesters “like birds” featured prominently in speeches. Chief Organiser Hasanat Abdullah seized on the report as evidence of state terrorism, while launching a scathing attack on India’s role. “New Delhi has transformed into a safe haven for terrorists,” Abdullah claimed, “sheltering both Hasina and her student wing cadres who carried out atrocities.”
Joint Member Secretary Tarek Reza connected current demands to the party’s origins in the quota reform movement, which he credited with toppling autocracy. “Just as we forced systemic change then, we won’t accept elections until murderer Hasina faces justice,” Reza vowed, warning that students would return to the streets if reforms don’t materialise.
Chief Coordinator Nasir Uddin Patwari expressed frustration with the interim Yunus government’s delays, particularly criticising Law Adviser Asif Nazrul for what he called deliberate stalling on prosecuting Hasina.
“We gave them one year to act – and their inaction speaks volumes,” Patwari said, while affirming NCP’s commitment to do “whatever necessary” to steer Bangladesh toward proper democracy.
Nahid Islam also addressed BSF atrocities at the border, claiming India’s border force had killed 1,200 Bangladeshis since 2000. “They’re not border guards but a death squad for whom killing has become addiction,” Nahid said, demanding India treat Bangladeshis with basic human dignity.
Northern Chief Organiser Sarjis engaged with the crowd, leading thunderous chants honouring July martyrs that shook the venue. The parents of slain student Rakib Hossain received a standing ovation as they shared their son’s story.
The rally culminated in a march from the Water Development Board, preceded by NCP delegates’ solemn visit with martyr families at Johan Park. Former councilors Kawsar Arefin and Laddu Joardar joined upazila leaders and student organisers in what became both protest and procession, with banners reading “Reform Before Elections” and “The Killers of July Must be Tried” bobbing above the crowd.