Reform won't be stalled over who understands PR and who doesn't: Nahid

The country's reform process, which includes electoral reform as well, will not be halted depending on who understands proportional representation (PR) and who does not, said National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam at a rally in Cox's Bazar today (19 July).

He was referring to BNP leaders who oppose the proposed PR electoral system, which allocates parliamentary seats proportional to parties' nationwide vote shares.

"The people of the country want reform," he said while addressing a rally at the Shaheed Daulat ground of the Cox's Bazar Public Library and Institute. 

He said that PR must be ensured in the proposed upper house of parliament, and neutral constitutional committees should be formed to oversee key state institutions such as the Election Commission and the Anti-Corruption Commission.

Nahid clarified that reforms are not about supporting or opposing any political party. "This is about Bangladesh, and it is for the people," he said.

Regarding the July Charter, the NCP leader said, "We have clearly said the July Charter must be announced within this month."

Nahid also branded deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina as the "godfather of crime", claiming that she has created "godfathers" across the country.

"As there was a godfather in Narayanganj, there was also one in Cox's Bazar. We will not allow any new godfathers to emerge," he said.

He also talked about the Rohingya crisis in Cox's Bazar, saying, "It's time we reflect on whether, in extending humanitarian shelter to the Rohingya, we are harming the people of Cox's Bazar."

At the end of his address, Nahid demanded that the government officially recognise Rohingya man Nurul Mostafa, who was reportedly martyred in Cox's Bazar during the July mass uprising, through an official gazette notification.

At the rally, NCP's Southern Region Chief Coordinator Hasnat Abdullah noted that the future of Bangladesh revolves around the Bay of Bengal, and thus, "We must start thinking strategically about the Bay."

"The Rohingya issue must be resolved swiftly," he said.

Earlier in the day, at around 12:45pm, a delegation of NCP central leaders began their march from Cox's Bazar Central Bus Terminal towards the city. The march passed through the city's main thoroughfares and reached the Shaheed Daulat ground by 2pm.

The rally route drew significant public attention as participants marched through the city before reaching the venue.

Supporters were heard chanting slogans. Following the rally, the NCP convoy departed for Bandarban.

However, in Chakaria, on the way to Bandarban, NCP leaders and activists were confronted by BNP supporters.

According to police, the clash followed controversial remarks made by an NCP leader against senior BNP figure Salahuddin Ahmed.

The incident occurred around 4:15pm in front of Janata Market in Chakaria town.

Confirming the incident, Chakaria Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Shafiqul Islam said, "The motorcade carrying NCP central leaders was escorted out of the district under law enforcement protection."

At the rally, NCP leader Patwari said, "During the Awami League's rule, Shamim Osman was known as the godfather of Narayanganj. Now we hear a new godfather [referring to BNP's Salahuddin] has arrived in Cox's Bazar from Shillong — grabbing land, fisheries, extorting money."

"And yet he claims he doesn't understand reform. I won't name names, but the people of Cox's Bazar will reject those who oppose reform and fail to understand the proportional representation (PR) system," he added.

The remarks were widely seen as an attack on Salahuddin Ahmed, triggering protest marches across the district by BNP activists.