Election Only After Reform and Justice: NCP’s Nahid Islam

The national election must be held only after comprehensive political reforms and the trial of those responsible for the killings and injuries during the July mass uprising, said National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Saturday.

He made these remarks while addressing a gathering of families of the July martyrs and injured victims at the Parjatan Motel in Bogura. The event was part of a broader dialogue and solidarity initiative undertaken by the NCP to honour the sacrifices made during the anti-authoritarian movement.

“The process of justice must begin immediately. Those who gave orders to open fire, those who carried out the shootings, and those responsible for the mass killings—no matter their rank—must be held accountable,” said Nahid Islam. “Justice must be ensured here on the soil of Bengal, including against Sheikh Hasina and the police officers involved in the violence.”

He further stated that the upcoming national election would only be legitimate if preceded by structural reforms and justice for the victims of state-sponsored repression. According to him, the NCP’s forthcoming July Declaration will enshrine a commitment to justice, reform, and national healing.

Nahid emphasised that no future government must be allowed to interfere in the judicial process. “The families of the martyrs and the wounded must be guaranteed political, social, and economic security by the state,” he said. He added that these assurances would be central to the NCP’s proposed July Charter for Reform, which will include a roadmap for transforming the country’s governance and ensuring accountability.

He also expressed frustration over the manipulation of mass killing cases across the country. “These cases have often been turned into profit-making tools. Arrests have been made only to be followed by releases and bail. This is happening because collaborators of the autocratic regime still hold positions of power across institutions and are working to shield and rehabilitate those responsible,” he alleged.

The NCP convener assured the families of the martyrs that their sacrifices would not be forgotten. “Our relationship with the families of the July martyrs is not limited to politics. It is a lifelong commitment. The dreams for which your loved ones gave their lives must be fulfilled,” he declared.

Nahid Islam noted that over a thousand people were martyred in the July movement, and the NCP is committed to ensuring that their legacy is honoured and their aspirations for a just, inclusive, and democratic society are realised.

Speaking at the event, NCP’s Senior Joint Member Secretary Tasnim Zara said, “Every death in the July movement is a national tragedy. It is the state’s moral and constitutional responsibility to ensure the well-being and security of the families of the martyrs and the injured. While many have struggled to receive proper treatment and support, the state must now take decisive action to address these challenges.”

Following the discussion, NCP leaders and supporters held a symbolic march from the Government Polytechnic Institute to Satmatha in Bogura. The march concluded with a street rally held at the city’s open stage, where participants reiterated their demand for reform, justice, and recognition of the sacrifices made during the July uprising.

As the nation approaches the next general election, the NCP has made it clear that the path forward must include truth, justice, and genuine democratic reforms, honouring those who gave their lives for change.