Manifesto of the New Bangladesh to Be Declared on August 3
NCP’s ‘July March’ concludes with rally in Narsingdi
Narsingdi, July 30 – The National Citizens’ Party (NCP) will announce the manifesto for a “New Bangladesh” on August 3, said NCP Convener Nahid Islam at a street rally in front of the Narsingdi Municipality on Wednesday afternoon.
The rally marked the conclusion of NCP’s month-long campaign titled “July March to Build the Nation,” held to commemorate the anniversary of the July Uprising. The march began on July 1 from Babonpur Jafarpur village in Pirganj, Rangpur, where student activist Abu Saeed was martyred during an anti-discrimination student movement.
In his speech, Nahid Islam said, “Over the past year, numerous conspiracies have been hatched against the people. We did not receive a new constitution. The fascist president has not been removed. No declaration was granted to us. But we have not retreated from our demands. In the aftermath of the mass uprising, we are compelled to return to the streets to demand a terror-free and extortion-free Bangladesh.”
Referring to the mass protests of 2024, which evolved into a popular uprising, he said, “After traveling across the country, we are now in Narsingdi – the city of revolution. We have not forgotten the memories of the uprising. We remember July 18 vividly. When all universities were shut down on July 17, we called for a complete shutdown. That day, student Tahmid from Narsingdi was martyred. Another student, Iman, was also killed.”
Nahid Islam stated that a total of 22 people were martyred in Narsingdi during the July uprising. He paid tribute to their memories.
“We want to work for the development of Narsingdi, to turn it into an industrially advanced district. Criminals and extortionists still operate here. We want to root them out. Strengthen the hands of NCP in Narsingdi. Insha’Allah, victory will be ours. Just as the July March succeeded across the country, Insha’Allah, NCP will triumph in the upcoming parliament and shape the future of Bangladesh,” he added.
Addressing ongoing political conspiracies, Nahid Islam clarified, “You all know that there are two student advisers in the interim government. There are many conspiracies surrounding them. But they are not members of our party; they represent the uprising. We must resist the conspiracies against them to uphold the strength of the mass movement.”
Speaking at the rally, NCP’s Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary said, “The Consensus Commission has been formed, but still there are forces pulling the strings from behind. There is still time. Listen to the voice of the people, honor the martyrs. We demand a new constitution, and we will have it.”
NCP’s Senior Joint Convener, Samanta Sharmin, demanded an investigation into the roles played by security forces during the uprising. “We saw with our own eyes that several army officials opened fire. We want to know under whose orders they fired,” she said.
The rally was moderated by NCP’s Northern Region Organizer Sarjis Alam. Other speakers included Northern Region Organizer Shirin Akhter, Joint Coordinator Abdullah Al Faisal, and Narsingdi District Coordinator Awlad Hossain.
Earlier in the day, around 5 PM, NCP activists began their march from the Jailkhana Mor area and reached the rally venue at the municipality after marching through the city. Prior to the march, Nahid Islam met with family members of the Narsingdi martyrs at the Narsingdi Club.
Security was tight throughout the event. Police were deployed at various points and at the rally site. A law enforcement source said more than 900 police personnel were stationed across the city.
Notably, on July 16 in Gopalganj, during NCP’s scheduled march, activists of the now-banned Awami League and its affiliated organizations attacked the rally. Clashes with law enforcement left five people dead and over fifty injured.
Additionally, on July 19 in Chakaria, Cox’s Bazar, BNP and Chhatra Dal activists reportedly destroyed the stage of an NCP rally. The stage had been set up on a truck.
