Nahid Islam, Convener of the National Citizens' Party (NCP), has expressed his party’s commitment to visit Gopalganj again and hold political activities in every village and upazila.

He also condemned all forms of political discrimination against Gopalganj residents.

Nahid came up with the remark through a statement posted on his verified Facebook profile on Thursday (July 17) at 11am.

He said, “Our position on Gopalganj was clearly stated in our earlier remarks. The commitment we hold for all of Bangladesh equally applies to Gopalganj.”

He claimed that activists of the banned student wing Chhatra League carried out an armed attack against NCP activists in Gopalganj with the intention to kill, describing the incident as similar to what occurred during the July uprising.

“We did not bring a call to war. We had announced a peaceful programme. The Mujibist terrorists attacked us in a planned way,” he wrote. “The Awami League always tries to provoke civil unrest.”

Referring to the political situation after August 5, he added, “Even after so many killings during the people’s uprising, some wanted to bring a ‘refined Awami League’. But they must remember, the Awami League is no longer a political party — it has become a terrorist organisation.”

He demanded a judicial process to investigate and try those responsible for the July incidents, saying arrests have been insufficient and that some suspects managed to obtain bail or flee from custody.

Nahid also accused corrupt officials within the administration of protecting ruling party interests, alleging that leaders of the banned Chhatra League from across the country were present in Gopalganj during the unrest.

Despite security risks, he said NCP members entered Gopalganj peacefully following instructions from security agencies and conducted a public gathering, not a march. He claimed that authorities blocked party supporters from reaching the venue and intercepted buses in various areas.

“Still, we peacefully completed our programme. On our way out, we were attacked again by armed Awami League supporters,” he said. “We have confirmed the deaths of four people.”

Nahid stressed that his party does not support any extrajudicial killings and called for the arrest and trial of those responsible. He said the government and law enforcement agencies must take full responsibility for the incident.

He demanded a full investigation and arrest campaign based on verified information, not only in Gopalganj but across the country.

Reaffirming his party’s commitment, Nahid said, “We pledged to go to Gopalganj, and we did. We will go again. As long as we are alive, we will carry out programmes in every village and upazila of Gopalganj.”

He said flags of the July uprising would be raised in every home in Gopalganj. “Gopalganj will not belong to the Mujibists. It will belong to those who stand for Bangladesh.”

He concluded by naming slain NCP activists and vowing to protect their legacy. 

“We will not allow even an inch of this country to belong to the Mujibists. See you at the Faridpur march,” the NCP leader added.

MSK/