Elections to determine if BD will change: Nahid
Staff Reporter :
National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Md Nahid Islam on Monday said the upcoming national election would determine whether Bangladesh experiences a mere change of government or a decisive shift in its political trajectory.
“Certain political elements want to preserve the old order, and voters must stay alert,” Nahid said while addressing a special prayer event at the party’s temporary office in Banglamotor.
He urged citizens to give their consent in the planned referendum on proposed reforms, scheduled to be held alongside the national polls, saying, “This election is more than a vote to change who governs.”
“It is a vote to change the country. A ‘yes’ vote means supporting reform, while a ‘no’ vote means rejecting it,” he said, adding that “no one except beneficiaries of the former fascist regime should vote against reform.”
The NCP organised the prayer programme to mark the release
of Bangladeshi expatriates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) who had been detained for showing solidarity with the July Uprising.
Nahid said 24 of the 25 detained expatriates have now been freed and will return home soon. “We extend our deepest sympathy to their families who endured this long wait,” he said.
“Securing their release was our responsibility, as well as that of the state. Although 188 detainees were previously freed, these 25 had to wait far too long,” he added.
He praised the bravery of the expatriates, saying many risked arrest in countries where public protests are prohibited.
“They knew the risks, yet they acted out of conscience, patriotism, and solidarity with the students. Their sacrifices will always be honoured,” Nahid said, urging the government to ensure their dignified reintegration, employment, family protection, and political security.
Nahid also expressed grief over the expatriate who died in custody, calling for recognition of his family as a “martyr’s family” and urging the nation to stand beside them.
Reaffirming NCP’s commitment to overseas Bangladeshis, he said the party’s Diaspora Alliance is working to protect the rights of migrant workers, professionals, and students, acknowledging their important contribution to the national economy through remittances.
He noted that improving skill development opportunities for migrant workers could significantly boost foreign currency earnings and strengthen the country’s economy.
Nahid welcomed the interim government’s initiative to allow expatriates to vote in the upcoming election, calling it a “historic step,” and urged all eligible citizens living abroad to register without delay and participate actively in shaping Bangladesh’s future.
He said the July Uprising was not led solely by individuals linked to the NCP, but was a collective movement of students, workers, ordinary citizens, and anti-fascist political forces.
Nahid accused certain groups of attempting to revive divisive narratives-such as “Liberation War vs. anti-Liberation” and “Islam vs. anti-Islam”-which he said undermine the aspirations of the uprising.
He said the NCP would participate in the election as the “guardian of reforms,” pledging to uphold the goals of the uprising and honour the sacrifices of its martyrs without compromising politically.
The NCP convenor also prayed for the recovery of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, paying deep respect to her political contributions.
“Her role in strengthening Bangladesh’s democracy and political struggle will always be remembered. We pray for her long life and good health,” he added.
NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, Senior Joint Convener Samanta Sharmin, and Jatiya Jubo Shakti Member Secretary Dr Zahidur Rahman were also present.