Nahid Islam, the Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), said that during the partition in 1947, although Sylhet chose to join Bengal, many of its areas were attached to Assam. He also acknowledged the vital role played by expatriates from Sylhet during the July uprising.
“সিলেটের প্রবাসীরা গণঅভ্যুত্থানে আমাদের পক্ষে দাঁড়িয়েছিলেন। আমরা তাদের ভুলবো না।”
“Sylheti expatriates stood with us during the uprising. We will not forget them.”
He emphasized that their right to vote must be ensured.
Accusations of Historical Deprivation
Speaking at a rally at Sylhet’s Central Shaheed Minar on Friday evening (25 July), Nahid stated that Sylhet had been deprived not only during British and Pakistani rule but also under the current Awami League government. He claimed that Sylhet’s people have been cheated out of their natural resources, including gas.
“বৃটিশ আমল থেকে শুরু করে পাকিস্তান এবং আওয়ামী লীগ আমলেও সিলেট বঞ্চিত হয়েছে।”
“Sylhet has been deprived since the British era, through Pakistan, and even under the Awami League.”
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Rally Led by NCP Leadership
The rally marked the end of the NCP’s “July March” in Sylhet. Thousands joined the march which began from Chowhatta Point and was led by Nahid Islam, Member Secretary Akhter Hossain, and other central leaders. The streets echoed with slogans like:
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“Delhi or Dhaka? Dhaka, Dhaka!”
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“Not lobbying but street power!”
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“Not power but the people!”
Promises to Reclaim Power for the People
Hasnat Abdullah, the party’s chief organizer for the southern region, said:
“এনসিপি কোনো চাঁদাবাজ কিংবা সন্ত্রাসীদের দল নয়।”
“NCP is not a party of extortionists or criminals.”
He added that power would be returned to the people and warned of those who benefited under the Awami League, urging everyone to stay alert.
“চাঁদাবাজ ও দখলদাররা বাংলার মাটিতে থাকতে পারবে না।”
“Extortionists and occupiers will not be allowed to stay on Bangladeshi soil.”
July Declaration to be Demanded from Dhaka
Nahid declared that they would demand the “July Declaration” and “July Charter” from the rally at Dhaka’s Shaheed Minar.
Calls for Reform in Education Sector
On his way to Sylhet, Nahid held a short rally at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology. He highlighted student suffering and urged immediate reforms:
“বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়গুলোতে আমরা এতদিন গোলামের জীবন যাপন করেছি।”
“We have lived like slaves in universities for too long.”
He demanded fair food in halls, better libraries, and academic improvement. He also called for immediate student union elections.
“We Want a Fit Nation”
Earlier that day, NCP held a rally in Sunamganj as part of the march. At Alfat Square, Nahid said:
“ফিটনেসবিহীন রাষ্ট্র মেরামতের জন্যই জাতীয় নাগরিক পার্টি প্রতিষ্ঠিত হয়েছে।”
“NCP was founded to fix an unfit state.”
He accused Sheikh Hasina of imposing an unfit system and declared that the struggle will continue until a new order is established.
Strong Stance Against ‘Mujibism’
At the same rally, Nahid Islam made bold statements against what he called “Mujibism,” accusing it of being synonymous with dictatorship and corruption.
“মুজিববাদ মানে একদলীয় শাসনব্যবস্থা, লুটপাট, দুর্নীতি…”
“Mujibism means one-party rule, looting, corruption…”
He said Bangladesh must be freed from such politics to preserve the spirit of the Liberation War.
Source: TBS
