Elections would not be possible without mass uprising: Nahid Islam

The National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam has claimed that the upcoming elections were only made possible due to the mass uprising sparked by the anti-quota reform movement.

Speaking at a rally at Faujdari More in Jamalpur on Monday afternoon (July 28), following the party’s ‘Desh Gorte July Padajatra’, Nahid said, “Many claim we are trying to delay elections. But without the mass uprising, there would be no talk of elections. Had we not transformed the quota reform movement into a mass movement demanding the government's resignation, elections would still be four years away under Sheikh Hasina’s rule.”

Reaffirming the NCP’s position, Nahid said, “We demand elections, voting rights, and freedom of expression for all.”

He also alleged that a system of extortion has taken root in Bangladeshi politics, with some former activists of the anti-discrimination student movement now complicit in it. “Attempts are being made to use the name of the movement and the NCP for extortion. We are committed to fighting these elements from within,” he added.

Nahid further stated that politics in Jamalpur had been dominated by a local ‘godfather’ for the past 17 years, but the NCP has ended that control and restored political freedom in the region.

Central NCP leaders including Lutfar Rahman, Dr Tasnim Zara, and Nasiruddin Patwari also addressed the gathering.

The rally began from Tamaltala and concluded at Faujdari More after marching through key city roads. Local and national leaders and activists of the NCP participated in the event.