National Citizen Party (NCP) convenor and Chief Whip of the opposition Nahid Islam on Saturday said Bangladesh's minority communities, including Hindus, Buddhists and Christians, should maintain relations with all political parties instead of leaning towards a single one.

"We believe minorities should maintain ties with all parties. It is not appropriate to become beholden to one party. If they do, the minority community ends up bearing the burden of all the crimes and misdeeds of that party," Nahid was speaking as chief guest at a discussion titled "Sampriti July: Contribution of Hindu, Buddhist and Christian Communities in the July Uprising," organised at the DRU auditorium in Segunbagicha to mark the second anniversary of the July mass uprising.

He alleged that the ousted fascist government had repeatedly exploited the "minority card" for political gain.

"In the name of secularism, the Awami League tried to portray itself as non-communal and others as communal. They used to campaign on this before elections. Ahead of the 2026 election too, we have seen a similar pattern being followed by a political party close to the fascist regime," Nahid said, adding that all parties must work to build trust with minority communities so they do not feel insecure.

Describing the July uprising as non-communal from the outset, Nahid said the movement's vision of a discrimination-free, inclusive society still stands. "People of all faiths and communities took part in the uprising. At least nine members of minority communities were martyred."

Touching on communal harmony in the aftermath of the uprising, the opposition chief whip recalled that madrasa students had stood guard at temples after the fall of the government. "We do not want a situation to arise again where temples need to be guarded. But the uprising showed we are capable of rising above division in times of crisis. Even so, several unwanted incidents have occurred since."

He urged the government to give due importance to the demands of the Hindu, Buddhist and Christian communities. "It is not just about enforced disappearances and killings, all incidents of attacks, including land grabbing targeting minority communities in the past, must be brought to justice."

Calling on minority communities to back the reform agenda, Nahid said, "We have emphasised institutional reforms to ensure everyone's rights. Communal harmony can only be ensured if democracy is strengthened. Without a strong democracy, harmony will not be assured. If the justice system is independent and impartial, everyone will benefit."

He further alleged that an old culture of repression against opposition parties was resurfacing. "We are again seeing an environment of fear being created. Given the current situation in the country, all of us should have remained united. If the basis of national unity, implementing the July Charter, staying committed to justice, and fixing the law and order situation, had been upheld, we could have cooperated with the government. We still believe everyone needs to act responsibly to make the July uprising a success and help the country overcome its economic and political crises." he said.

The discussion, presided over by NCP joint member secretary Pritom Das, was attended as special guests by Bangladesh Buddhist Association general secretary Bhikkhu Sunandapriya Mahathero, St. Mary's Cathedral director Father Albert Thomas Rozario, NCP political council members Sarwar Tushar and Ali Ahsan Junaed, along with leaders from various communities.