Elections must follow genocide trial, reforms: Nahid Islam

National Citizens Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam has declared that no national election will be acceptable until those responsible for the recent mass killings are brought to justice and meaningful reforms are enacted.

He made the remarks during a road meeting and rally held in Bogura on Saturday (July 5), organized by the NCP to demand a genocide trial, political reforms, and a new constitution.

Addressing a crowd of supporters and families of victims from the July movement, Nahid said, "Those who committed genocide on Bengali soil—including Sheikh Hasina, the Awami League, and those who fired on our people using state forces—will be held accountable. The trial must begin, and it must be visible. No government will be allowed to interfere in this process."

He paid tribute to the victims, describing them as martyrs who sacrificed their lives for justice, freedom, and the sovereignty of the people. "The loss endured by their families is irreparable. They stood up for a free Bangladesh, and that struggle will not be in vain," he said, vowing to continue the party's movement to establish what he termed a "tyrant-free" nation.

Nahid also expressed regret for not reaching out earlier to the families of the victims. "We may have failed in our duties over the past year. For that, I sincerely apologize. But this relationship is lifelong. The NCP will always stand beside the families of the martyrs," he said.

The NCP convener announced that the party is preparing a 'July Declaration'—a document that will include a comprehensive list of the martyrs, their families, and the party's reform proposals. He said the declaration will call for the inclusion of these demands in the constitution and will serve as a blueprint for political, social, and economic reforms in Bangladesh.

Highlighting Bogura's role in the July uprising, Nahid claimed that the district has been subjected to political marginalisation for nearly two decades. "This region has faced systemic discrimination—jobs, administrative privileges, and justice have been denied," he said. "More than 15 people were killed and over 700 injured in Bogura during the movement. Yet, the local administration continues to act in a partisan manner."

He warned the Bogura district administration against favouring any political party and urged them to carry out their duties impartially.

Earlier in the day, NCP leaders met with families of the July movement martyrs at the Parjat Motel in Bogura, where they reaffirmed the party's commitment to supporting the victims' families and ensuring justice.