National Citizen Party convener Nahid Islam on Monday called upon all sections of society to unite to demand justice for the July mass killing, fundamental state reforms, and the adoption of a new constitution.
Addressing several rallies in Natore and Sirajganj, he said that they could not proceed to elections until justice was delivered for the July killings and enforced disappearances.
The aspirations behind the mass uprising -- driven by students and the public -- were for a corruption-free and impartial Bangladesh, but after August 5, many parties had distanced themselves from these demands, Nahid resented.
As part of the party鈥檚 ongoing month-long march programmes to mark the first anniversary of the July uprising that ousted the Awami League regime on 5 August 2024, the NCP convener alleged that attempts had been made to disrupt their events, noting that their banners were torn and obstructive tactics employed in Natore and Sirajganj.
He said that those who had faced bullets and narrowly escaped death would not be intimidated, warning that those who sought to revive a culture of fear were gravely mistaken and foolish.
Calling for fundamental reforms, Nahid stressed the urgent need for a July declaration and constitutional recognition of the people鈥檚 uprising.
鈥楾he martyrs who participated in the uprising deserve state recognition and honour,鈥� he said.
He called for a new constitution to replace the existing Awami League-era constitution, which he criticised for failing to protect the rights of the people over the past 50 years and for dividing society and the state.
Nahid said that the NCP would announce its manifesto on August 3 at the Central Shaheed Minar in the capital, which would include the economic, social, and cultural liberation of all people and outline a plan for rebuilding a new Bangladesh.
As part of its nationwide programme from July 1 to August 5 marking the first anniversary of the uprising, the NCP launched its march on July 1 in Rangpur with prayers for uprising martyr Abu Sayed.
The party plans to continue marches across all districts until July 30, calling for the prosecution of the Awami League and its leaders over the massacres during the mass uprising.
They are also demanding reforms and the adoption of a new constitution aimed at establishing a discrimination-free Bangladesh.