Pre-Aug 5 torture demos replayed in past 16 months: Asif Mahmud

National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan on Monday said the country has witnessed “another demonstration of torture” over the past 16 months, reminiscent of the period before August 5, and urged voters to respond through democratic means rather than street agitation.

New forms of extortion and terror, he said, have spread everywhere – from city alleys to village markets. To prevent a return to that situation, he added, the country must pursue change not on the streets, but through the ballot.

In an opaque reference to BNP, Asif Mahmud said a certain political party remained inconsistent on reform issues, alleging that it failed to act when given the opportunity to implement meaningful changes.

He further claimed that an alliance between “defeated fascist forces” and “new fascist forces” is taking shape, urging voters to back the eleven-party alliance to counter what he described as authoritarian elements in politics.

He made the remarks while addressing a road show rally at Fultala intersection in Boalkhali, Chattogram.

Referring to events leading up to the July uprising, Asif Mahmud said the people must now work to build a Bangladesh free from oppression and extortion by bringing change through the ballot box. “We need a revolution through votes, not on the highways,” he said.

He described February 12 as a critical moment for the country, drawing parallels with past political movements and claiming that another opportunity for change has emerged. 

“We are not loyal to any brand or label. We will support the alliance that can ensure freedom for the people,” he added.

The rally was part of NCP’s ongoing campaign ahead of the February 12 national election.