NCP leader vows to `liberate Gopalganj’
Staff Reporter :
National Citizen Party (NCP) Convenor Nahid Islam on Thursday lashed out at what he termed a campaign to “rebrand Awami League and Mujibism under a refined guise,” warning that the people of Bangladesh “saw through that version on Wednesday.”
His remarks came during a large roadside rally in Faridpur as part of the NCP’s ongoing “July March to Rebuild the Nation” campaign.
Addressing the crowd at the Janata Bank intersection, Islam reiterated NCP’s resolve to march into Gopalganj-homeland of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman-unless “state protection for fascist Mujibist violence” is dismantled.
“We defeated the Mujibist terrorists on August 5. We are still allowing time for the law to act. But if these fascists are not arrested soon, we will march into Gopalganj-not to return, but to free its land and people,” he declared.
The Faridpur rally followed violent clashes the previous day in Gopalganj, where at least four people were reportedly killed during an NCP attempt to hold a pre-announced rally. The government has yet to provide a full account of the events.
“Our rally was peaceful,” said Nahid. “But fascists attacked us in Gopalganj, which has become a sanctuary for them. The people there deserve liberation from Mujibism.”
He warned law enforcement and bureaucrats allegedly aligned with the former ruling clique: “We are now in the streets, demanding justice. We will not leave until it is served.”
Islam also directly criticized what he described as a covert campaign to bring back Awami League under new branding. “Those attempting to reintroduce a ‘refined Awami League’ and ‘refined Mujibism’ must realize: the people of Bangladesh have seen enough.”
Calling on the government to refrain from harassing ordinary Gopalganj residents, Islam demanded “the immediate arrest and prosecution of Awami League and Chhatra League leaders involved in extrajudicial violence.”
The NCP leader, who rose to prominence during the July 2024 anti-government uprising, reiterated the movement’s commitment to peaceful resistance but warned of “mass counteraction” if provoked.
“We began with nonviolent principles,” he said. “But if fascists come with violence, we will not hesitate to resist. We are not afraid to pick up sticks-or arms if needed.”
Islam vowed to complete the party’s ongoing July March in all 64 districts by August 3. “Only then will we assemble at the Shaheed Minar to declare our manifesto and the July Charter,” he announced.
The rally was chaired by NCP’s chief southern organizer Hasnat Abdullah and attended by other senior leaders, including Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain and Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari. In a fiery speech, Akhtar Hossain said, “The people of Bangladesh no longer want to see Awami League or Mujibist politics.”
“The same cronies who once served India and protected AL are now trying to bring them back under a new mask of civility,” Hossain added. “But even that mask cannot fool the people anymore.”
He also criticized foreign narratives suggesting participatory elections require Awami League’s inclusion. “A party that killed democracy through fake elections in 2014, 2018, and 2024 can no longer be part of democratic politics in Bangladesh.”
Curious crowds, tight security in Faridpur The NCP rally drew a sizeable crowd, including politically unaffiliated locals curious about the emerging party. “I came to hear what these new leaders have to say,” said Abdul Qader, 55, of Kaijuri Union.
Police and security forces were deployed in large numbers. Faridpur police chief Md Asaduzzaman confirmed that over 400 personnel were mobilized, including members of the Army, RAB, Coast Guard, and Ansar.
Security presence was visible not only at the rally venue but also at surrounding intersections. The rally began around 2:42 PM and concluded shortly after 3:20 PM, with the NCP procession departing for Rajbari.