People Witnessed a Version of Refined Awami League Yesterday,’ Says Nahid Islam

Addressing a public gathering during the National Citizen Party’s (NCP) “July March” program, NCP Convener Nahid Islam stated, “Those who want to establish a refined Awami League in Bangladesh—yesterday, the people of this country saw a version of that refined Awami League and refined Mujibists.”

The remarks were made on Thursday afternoon at a public rally organized at Janata Bank intersection in Faridpur as part of NCP’s “Nation-Building July March” initiative.

During the rally, Nahid Islam said, “We defeated Mujibist terrorists on August 5. We are still giving time for these terrorists to be arrested legally and peacefully. If not, we will march to Gopalganj immediately, and this time, we won’t return until Gopalganj’s soil and people are completely freed.” Addressing the crowd as “Dear Faridpur residents,” Nahid Islam thanked them, saying, “Yesterday, you were ready to march to Gopalganj. We know the entire country was prepared to go, and we will definitely go soon.” He added, “We stand with the common people of Gopalganj. We urge the government not to harass even a single ordinary citizen there, but every fascist terrorist must be arrested.” Referring to an attack on NCP’s peaceful program in Gopalganj the previous day, he said, “Fascists have turned Gopalganj into their safe haven. We promised the people of Gopalganj that we will free them from Mujibism.” Nahid Islam further noted, “Four people were killed extrajudicially yesterday. We said after August 5 that we believe in the human rights of even terrorists. Awami League and Chhatra League members must be arrested and brought to justice. But we see no arrests, and those arrested are being released by courts without trials. We warn corrupt officials and accomplices of autocracy in the administration: we are on the streets demanding justice and won’t leave until it’s achieved.” He emphasized, “We come from the July uprising. Our path is moderate, our programs peaceful and non-violent. But if terrorists and fascists come at us, we won’t hesitate to build public resistance or take up sticks. During the uprising, we were ready to take up arms. Those who thought they could stop the July March with attacks or armed assaults forgot who they are facing. This march will not stop until it reaches all 64 districts.” Nahid Islam vowed, “By August 3, we will complete the march in 64 districts and gather at Shaheed Minar to announce our manifesto and July Charter. No matter what happens, this march will continue.” The rally, hosted by NCP’s southern region chief organizer Hasnat Abdullah, featured speeches from NCP Secretary Akhtar Hossain, Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, and local leaders. **“People Don’t Want to See Awami League’s Politics Anymore,” Says Akhtar Hossain** NCP Secretary Akhtar Hossain said, “The people of Bangladesh no longer want to see Awami League or Mujibist politics. But India’s lackeys are secretly dreaming of bringing back Awami League, trying to mislead the public by claiming no participatory election is possible without them.” He added, “The Awami League that destroyed Bangladesh’s democracy with dummy elections in 2014, 2018, and 2024 cannot have a place in democratic politics.” He warned, “Those trying to bring back Awami League and Mujibism under the guise of civility, we caution you: the people of Bangladesh will not allow fascist Mujibist ideology to be uttered again, even in a polished form. This Bangladesh will belong to all people, regardless of party or belief.” The NCP delegation, led by Nahid Islam, arrived at Faridpur Circuit House from Khulna via Jessore-Magura at 1:31 PM. The march began at 2:05 PM and reached the rally venue by 2:34 PM. The event started at 2:42 PM and concluded at 3:21 PM, after which the group left for Rajbari. Locals, including non-political residents, attended the rally out of curiosity. Abdul Kader (55) from Kaijuri Union, who came to the city for work, stayed to see the new leaders. Siraj Miah (52) from Bhajandanga arrived at 10:30 AM to hear the speeches. Swapan Miah (53) from East Khabaspur said, “I came to hear what the new leaders have to say.” Extensive security measures were in place, with police, RAB, Coast Guard, and Ansar members deployed around the venue and nearby areas. Faridpur Kotwali Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge, Md. Asaduzzaman, said over 400 police personnel, along with army, RAB, Coast Guard, and Ansar members, ensured security, all sourced from Faridpur Police Lines.