National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Dhaka-11 MP Nahid Islam on Monday said Bangladesh will not tolerate the dominance of any foreign power, specifically mentioning India and the United States, as the nation strives for absolute sovereignty.
Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion titled ‘July Uprising: From Spark to Ongoing Revolution’ at the central auditorium of Jagannath University (JnU), he emphasized that the revolution ignited in July 2024 remains an ongoing process.
The event was organized by the JnU wing of Jatiya Chhatra Shakti to mark the second anniversary of the uprising.
Nahid articulated that Uprising was driven by a collective desire for border protection, a fair share of transboundary river water, and a truly independent foreign policy.
“We will not accept the dominance of anyone, neither India nor America,” he told the gathering.
He noted that while the uprising sought to establish democracy and voting rights, many goals remain unfulfilled. He specifically pointed out that despite two votes being cast, the mandate of the referendum has yet to be fully implemented, urging first-time voters to remain vigilant.
Highlighting the university’s pivotal role in national movements, he said the nation remains “indebted” to Jagannath University. He lamented that the institution has historically been deprived of the recognition it deserves and urged the government to accord it “special importance” in national planning.
Reflecting on the 2024 movement, Nahid recalled that activists often waited for JnU students to join the frontlines, noting that many of the university’s students were injured during the July 15 clashes at Dhaka University.
On the issue of campus reforms, Nahid Istressed that while infrastructure development is necessary, the university’s core values and quality of education are more vital. He called for a long-term restructuring of the university system to ensure that the appointments of Vice-Chancellors and teachers are conducted through a systematic and transparent process.
The program also featured speeches from Abdullah Al Amin MP, JnU Treasurer Professor Sabina Sharmin, and Proctor Professor Md Nasir Uddin. Leaders from various anti-fascist student organisations, including Jatiya Chhatra Shakti, Jagannath Chatra Dal, and representatives from the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JoKSU), also addressed the audience.
