National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Saturday alleged that a certain quarter is resisting national reform efforts instead of their support beyond desire to remain in power, preferring to uphold outdated systems, perpetuate old-styled politics by shielding extortionists and terrorists.Nahid Islam made these remarks while addressing a street rally at Shaheed Asif Chattar in Satkhira on Saturday. “We have called for reform, justice, and a new constitution. But they are opposing these widely supported demands and determined to preserve the old system, continue old political practices, and protect those involved in extortion and terrorism,” he said.
"After the mass uprising and the loss of so many lives, if they still think they can continue the old political practices, they are doing mistakes. The power of the uprising is still active on the ground," he added.
He continued: "They thought they could lure the forces of the uprising by offering two or three seats (in parliament) and dangling the temptation of power-sharing. But those who hold the spirit of the revolution have returned from the brink of death, no political party in Bangladesh has the means to buy them off."
Nahid Islam further said: "On August 5, we proposed forming a national government to rebuild the country, to remove all divisions and repair Bangladesh.”
He also said: “But they did not agree to our proposal and insisted raising voice on holding elections within three or six months. We did not receive their support for any reform initiative beyond the issues involved power-sharing.”
“We have said from the beginning that we do not want to create enemies within the country. We want to rebuild it," he added.
Highlighting that people of Satkhira still do not have access to rail transport, better education, and better healthcare, the NCP Convener said: “We must protect our climate and safeguard the Sundarbans. Stand with the NCP and there is no reason to fear extortionists."
He added: "The students and people of this country who were able to send the 16-year fascist autocrat Hasina to Delhi are not afraid of extortionists. Be united and prepared anew. We must build the Bangladesh on the basis of justice."
Nahid called upon people to come to Dhaka on August 3, saying: “We will gather at the Shaheed Minar. We will meet you there. We will issue a new declaration against extortion and terrorism and realize the July charter."
The street rally was presided over by Satkhira district NCP Coordinator Kamruzzaman Bulu, Chief Organizer (South) Hasanat Abdullah, Chief Organizer (North) Sarjis Alam and Joint Chief Organizer (South) Mesbah Kamal also spoke.
Before the rally, leaders met the family members of those injured or killed in the July uprising at Shaheed Asif Chattar.
Later, a street march was begun from the same location and concluded at the New Market intersection. Besides, the leaders inaugurated the district office on the second floor of Al-Baraka Hotel in the New Market area.