National Citizen Party convener Nahid Islam on Sunday alleged that his party was facing obstruction for speaking the truth.
He made the remarks, referring to recent attacks on NCP activists and the disruption of events organised by the party in Cox鈥檚 Bazar and Banshkhali, while addressing a rally at Biplob Udyan in the city鈥檚 2 No Gate area following the conclusion of NCP鈥檚 鈥楯uly March鈥� in Chattogram.
He said, 鈥極ur chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari exposed some truths in Cox鈥檚 Bazar. And now, we are being attacked for it. In Banshkhali, our NCP organiser was physically assaulted, suffering a head injury.鈥�
Referring to Chattogram鈥檚 crumbling urban infrastructure, he said, 鈥楾his historic city has been pushed into disarray by years of negligence, plundering, and the grip of mafias. The National Citizens Committee aims to resolve these issues and rebuild Chattogram into a well-organised and prosperous city.鈥�
Nahid further said, 鈥榃e consider Chattogram the most crucial region for Bangladesh鈥檚 national security and sovereignty. It must be developed into a new economic zone. To strengthen our maritime and naval capabilities, we must first strengthen Chattogram. NCP is committed to doing that.鈥�
Several NCP central and regional leaders were present at the rally, including member secretary Akhtar Hossain, chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari, Southern Region coordinator Hasnat Abdullah, Northern Region coordinator Sarjis Alam, Senior Joint convener Samanta Sharmin and senior joint member secretary Tasnim Zara.
Earlier in the evening, at around 6:30pm, hundreds of NCP leaders and activists, led by Nahid Islam, gathered at Bahaddarhat intersection and began the city rally.
The Chattogram Metropolitan Police deployed a lot of personnel in the area to ensure safety during the event.
Besides, intelligence units, dog squads and SWAT teams were deployed near the stage as precautionary measures.
