National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam has warned that individuals who played key roles in the July Mass Uprising, including its leaders, prominent figures, and participants, are being targeted to undermine the democratic process and weaken the movement.
He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after paying tribute to martyred intellectuals at the Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals’ Memorial in Dhaka on Sunday, December 14.
Nahid said that on this day in 1971, just before Bangladesh’s victory in the Liberation War, intellectuals, writers, artists, journalists, and other freedom-loving professionals were systematically killed to prevent Bangladesh from emerging as a dignified nation. “Over the past 54 years, we have had to continue the struggle to realise the aspirations of the Liberation War. The 2024 uprising required renewed sacrifice to defend those ideals,” he added.
He noted that while some intellectuals have historically supported the people’s struggle, others have sided with authoritarian forces. He alleged that even now, certain intellectuals are being manipulated to support repression, citing the recent attack on Inqilab Moncho's spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi as an example. “The nation witnessed the attack, yet the perpetrators have not been arrested. They must be brought to justice swiftly,” he said.
Commenting on public safety and the upcoming elections, Nahid said the government has shown weaknesses in maintaining law and order, and people’s trust in security institutions remains low. He urged authorities to identify and prosecute those involved in planning such attacks, both within and outside the administration, to safeguard national unity and uphold a pro-democracy stance.
He also appealed to political parties to set aside blame games and preserve national unity, warning that divisions would only benefit authoritarian forces. “We must ensure a fair election environment and continue Bangladesh’s democratic journey,” he said.
Other senior NCP leaders and party activists were present on the occasion.
KR/MHK