Another Battle Lies Ahead, We Are Preparing for It": Nahid Islam at NCP Rally

National Citizen Party Leader Addresses July March in Munshiganj

Nahid Islam, the convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), declared that despite attacks on their members in Gopalganj and anticipated violence in 10 other districts, the party will not be suppressed. Speaking at a street rally during the NCP’s July march in Munshiganj’s Supermarket area on Friday, July 18, 2025, at around 1:00 pm, Nahid said, “We declared a war against Mujibism through a mass uprising, and our fight against fascism will continue until it is complete. We will not stop.”

Addressing the crowd, Nahid Islam emphasized the party’s resolve: “The struggle we have started will go on. We have divine support and the people of the country with us. There is no reason to fear. Another battle lies ahead, and we are preparing for it.”

He highlighted local issues in Munshiganj, including illegal sand extraction, river erosion, poor road conditions, and a fragile healthcare system. “River erosion is creating new climate refugees every month. We will protect Munshiganj from river erosion and disasters, stop illegal sand extraction, and bring revolutionary changes to healthcare. The people of Munshiganj, who protested during the mass uprising, must rise again and build a culture of resistance in every locality,” he urged. On the issue of voting rights for expatriates, Nahid said, “Thousands of people from Munshiganj live abroad. We have spoken in favor of their voting rights. Some claim expatriates shouldn’t vote, but we say they are part of this country, and we will ensure their voting rights.” The rally also featured speeches by NCP leaders, including Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, Chief Organizer (Southern Region) Hasnat Abdullah, Chief Organizer (Northern Region) Sarjis Alam, Senior Joint Member Secretary Tasnim Zara, and Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary. Hasnat Abdullah emphasized, “The reforms we seek are not for any specific party but for Bangladesh and its people. In the past, leaders were worshipped, but we want a future Bangladesh where this doesn’t happen. This country will no longer be leader-dependent. Leaders are not above mistakes. All anti-fascist forces and political parties must unite to build the next Bangladesh.” Reflecting on the Gopalganj attack, Sarjis Alam said, “Bangladesh is not yet fully free from fascism. We have a long way to go. We thought Gopalganj was part of a free Bangladesh, but we found it has become a den of armed terrorists. Across the country, wherever fascist terrorists exist, we must unite, regardless of party affiliations, to resist them.”

The NCP’s march and rally began early Friday morning, with leaders and activists gathering in Munshiganj’s Supermarket area. By noon, the crowd grew larger, and the rally started around 12:30 pm with central NCP leaders present, concluding by 1:15 pm.