Staff Reporter :
Nahid Islam, convener of the newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP), on Tuesday called for a swift trial of the oppression and violence that occurred during the July mass uprising, emphasising that justice would act as a safeguard against future authoritarianism.
“We demand the trial of those responsible for oppression and violence during the July mass uprising,” Islam stated while addressing the media following a prayer gathering at the Rayerbazar Martyred Intellectuals Memorial in Dhaka.
“Delivering justice can help alleviate, even if only slightly, the suffering of those who were injured or who made sacrifices. This trial should serve as a precedent to prevent the rise of fascism in our country,” he added.
Earlier in the day, Islam, accompanied by other NCP leaders, paid tribute to the martyred freedom fighters by laying wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar. The delegation arrived at the site around 8:30 a.m.
before proceeding to Rayerbazar to honour those who lost their lives during the July unrest.
Commenting on the current political landscape, Nahid Islam underscored the need for a constituent assembly election, arguing that such a step could pave the way for a more democratic governance structure.
“The national election and the constituent assembly election could be held simultaneously,” Islam proposed. “This would create the opportunity to establish a new Bangladesh with a restructured political framework.”
The NCP, which has recently emerged as a strong critic of the government, appears to be advocating for a broader constitutional transformation, calling for fundamental changes to the existing political system.
Senior party leaders also voiced strong criticisms of the current administration.
Sarjis Alam, NCP’s chief organiser for the northern region, dismissed discussions on elections until Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was brought to trial.
“There should be no talk of elections until justice is served,” Alam declared.
He further alleged that many victims of the government’s crackdown during the protests remain unaccounted for.
“Families are still searching for their loved ones, whose whereabouts remain unknown. How can we think about anything else in this country until justice is ensured?” he added.
Hasnat Abdullah, NCP’s chief organiser for the southern region, stressed that the legitimacy of the government remains in question as long as justice for the victims is not delivered.
“This government has been established over the blood of students and the people. Without a fair trial, its legitimacy will always be challenged,” he said.
Abdullah also called for expanding the judicial system to expedite the legal process. “Justice must be delivered as swiftly as possible. If necessary, the number of tribunals should be increased to accelerate the trials,” he added.
The remarks from NCP leaders reflect the rising political tensions in Bangladesh, particularly in the aftermath of the July mass uprising.
While the government has denied allegations of excessive force and suppression, opposition groups and human rights organisations have raised concerns over reports of disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and violence against protesters.
The NCP leadership, including member secretary Akhter Hossen, principal coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, and senior joint coordinator Abdul Hannan Masud, stood in solidarity during the event, reaffirming the party’s commitment to legal accountability and political reform.
