Nahid Islam, the leader of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has claimed that their peaceful march is being stopped in several areas because one of their party members spoke the truth. He made this statement at a rally held in Chattogram’s Biplob Udyan on Sunday evening, after completing part of their national march.
According to Nahid, the problems began after NCP’s main coordinator in Cox’s Bazar, Nasir Uddin Patwari, revealed some important truths to the public. He said that after this, their march faced resistance in various places. In Banshkhali, one of the party’s organizers was attacked and injured. He warned that such actions would not stop their movement, saying that if they are blocked, they will resist, and the youth power of NCP cannot be silenced.
Earlier in the day, NCP leaders arrived in Chattogram from Rangamati around 5 p.m. They began marching from Kaptai Road and passed through Bahaddarhat and Muradpur before reaching the rally venue at Biplob Udyan by 7:30 p.m. Supporters from different areas of Chattogram city and nearby upazilas started gathering from 3 p.m., many joining with processions and slogans.
During the rally, Nahid Islam praised Chattogram’s historical importance. He said the city has always played a leading role in national movements, mentioning freedom fighters like Surya Sen, Pritilata Waddedar, and Major Zia, who declared independence from Chattogram in 1971. He said that whenever Bangladesh faces a crisis, Chattogram rises in resistance.
He also said Chattogram is the gateway of Islam in Bangladesh, but under Sheikh Hasina’s government, religious people are being restricted from practicing their faith freely. He criticized what he called a small group of mafia families who are trying to control the city. He said NCP will not allow that to continue and wants to make Chattogram a city of many cultures, languages, and religions, where everyone has equal rights.
Nahid warned that some foreign powers have their eyes on Chattogram and are trying to interfere. He said Chattogram is a vital part of the country’s national security and sovereignty, and any attempt to take control of it will face united resistance from the whole of Bangladesh.
He also pointed out the problems facing Chattogram city, such as poor urban planning, water shortages, and the influence of corrupt groups. He said that NCP wants to rebuild Chattogram and make it stronger, because it is the economic lifeline of the country.
Other leaders from the NCP also spoke at the event. Secretary Akhter Hossain said their movement is aimed at building a “Second Republic” in Bangladesh—one where corruption ends, and every government project is transparent. He said in the new Bangladesh, the people must be shown how every taka is spent.
Another NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah, said that the youth of Bangladesh have already pushed Sheikh Hasina into retreat. He said the country now needs a just and fair government. He warned that there are efforts to divide the people, but the public must stay united. He said Bangladesh belongs to its people, not to any one family or political dynasty. And when the country loses its way, Chattogram is always the first to rise in protest.
To welcome the NCP leaders, the streets of Chattogram were decorated with banners and arches.
Many party leaders attended the rally, including Nasir Uddin Patwari, Sarjis Alam, Zobaida Sarwar Niva, Tasnim Jara, Samanta Sharmin, Segufta Bushra Mishma, Zobairul Islam Arif, Emon Syed, and Ehsanul Mahbub Zubayer.
