We must move towards elections through fundamental reforms: Nahid Islam

The nation must advance towards elections through comprehensive structural reforms, National Citizen Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam said today (3 July).

"We must move towards elections through fundamental reforms of the state," he said at a street rally at Chowrangi Mor area in Nilphamari district as part of NCP's countrywide street march for justice, reform and new constitution.

On the third day of the party's "July March to Build the Nation," NCP leaders arrived in Nilphamari to continue raising public support across the country.

Nahid Islam said, "We are saying that Bangladesh needs a new constitution. The constitution shaped by the Awami League and Mujibist ideologies must be discarded as such documents have failed to uphold our rights and protect our human dignity. There is no reason to preserve a constitution that does not truly represent the people."

He added, "If small children can bravely stand in front of bullets, then can't we who are alive build a new Bangladesh?"

Recalling the sacrifice of Shaheed Rubel from Panchagarh, Nahid Islam said, "Rubel was just a seventh-grade student, he had shown the courage to stand up against injustice, facing police bullets with his bare chest. In this mass uprising, even young children gave their lives for the dream of a beautiful Bangladesh."

Continuing his remarks, Nahid Islam drew up a vision of a future Bangladesh free from regional and economic discrimination, saying "In that Bangladesh, people will speak freely, enjoy the right to food, education, and healthcare, and no longer be victims of corruption. This is the Bangladesh for which our brothers and sisters sacrificed their lives."

He added that if the people's demands had been fulfilled after the mass uprising, the formation of a political party would not have been necessary. 

Nahid said, "We firmly demand an elected government." However, he called for accountability, saying "Those responsible for the killings during this mass uprising, including Sheikh Hasina and her associates, must be arrested and brought to justice. Sheikh Hasina must face trial in Bangladesh."

Addressing the gathered crowd, Nahid declared, "We pledge to fulfill your hopes and aspirations. Over the month, we will travel across the country, listen to your concerns, and on 3 August, present a manifesto that reflects the voices and problems of our people."