NN Online:
Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has reaffirmed that Major Ziaur Rahman declared Bangladesh’s independence from Kalurghat in Chattogram during the Liberation War in 1971.
Speaking at a mass rally on Sunday night at Biplob Udyan, near Gate No. 2 in Sholashahar, Chattogram, as part of NCP’s July March campaign, Nahid said, “We know and believe that Major Zia declared independence from Chattogram. That announcement came from Kalurghat, and that’s why we call this city the gateway to Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty.”
Highlighting the city’s historical and spiritual significance, he added, “Islam first entered Bangladesh through Chattogram’s port, carried by Arab traders, bringing a message of equality, justice, and humanity. That’s why Chattogram is also known as the gateway to Islam.”
Nahid described Chattogram as the country’s only truly cosmopolitan city. “People of various languages, cultures, and religions have lived together here for generations. It is the lifeline of Bangladesh’s economy,” he said.
Warning against foreign interest in the region, he added, “We see growing international conspiracies centering on Chattogram. Superpowers are eyeing this city. But let it be clear — Chattogram is integral to our national security and sovereignty. If anyone targets Chattogram, all of Bangladesh will rise in protest.”
He called Chattogram the second stronghold of the July Uprising, after Dhaka. “The fascists were driven out of Chattogram, and if fascism tries to return, Chattogram will resist again,” he declared.
Nahid alleged that NCP members were being targeted and obstructed due to their activism. “Our comrade Nasiruddin Patwari revealed the truth in Cox’s Bazar, and we are being attacked in several places because of that. One of our activists was brutally injured in Banshkhali,” he said.
Emphasising popular support over political power, Nahid added, “We draw our legitimacy from the people, not from force. Today, the people of Chattogram have proven our right to speak.”
He also slammed poor governance in the port city, particularly its inadequate urban planning and water crisis. “Chattogram is suffering due to mismanagement, looting, and mafia control,” he said.
“The NCP wants to fix Chattogram’s problems. We want to see a new Chattogram in a new Bangladesh — one that reclaims its lost heritage and history,” Nahid stated.
Calling for strategic development, he said Chattogram must be turned into a modern economic zone and naval hub to ensure national sovereignty and maritime power. “Chattogram holds a key role in our future. The Jatiya Nagorik Party is committed to strengthening it.”
