United News of Bangladesh

Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP) Nahid Islam on Sunday said Awami League (AL) should face trial as a political party for crimes committed against people. Talking to reporters completing his testimony and cross-examination in a crimes-against-humanity case, Nahid, also a key leader of the July Uprising, said there was scope for bringing AL under trial and that an appeal would be lodged with the tribunal as sufficient evidence had now been presented. He alleged that Sheikh Hasina, as the party chief, chose to stay in power by unleashing violence against citizens, describing it as a political decision aimed at retaining absolute authority, which led to civilian deaths. “Hasina must face trial as these crimes were committed under her leadership,” he said. Nahid appeared as the 47th prosecution witness before International Crimes Tribunal-1, headed by Justice Golam Mortuza Mojumder. His testimony was recorded on September16–17 followed by two rounds of cross-examination concluded on Sunday. Chief Prosecutor Md Tajul Islam, along with prosecutors Mizanul Islam and Gazi SH Tamim, were present during the proceedings. BNP’s Rizvi accuses Jamaat of trying to build ‘state within the state’ State-appointed lawyer Amir Hossain represented absconding accused Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. Lawyer Zayed Bin Amjad appeared for former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who was arrested but later turned state witness. The tribunal had earlier accepted Mamun’s application to become an approver; he testified as the 36th prosecution witness, admitting his role and providing evidence against other accused. On July 10, the tribunal framed charges against Hasina, Kamal and Mamun over crimes against humanity during the July–August 2024 student and public uprising. Hasina is also facing two other trials – one concerning enforced disappearances and killings during her 15-and-a-half-year rule, and another over the 2013 Shapla Chattar massacre of Hefazat-e-Islam activists. According to the complaints, AL leaders, party cadres, and sections of the administration and law-enforcement agencies were involved in mass killings and other crimes against humanity during the 2024 uprising.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Tuesday said that a draft of the much-anticipated ‘July Charter’ has been prepared and is expected to be announced by August 5. “After the 1990 mass uprising, political parties betrayed the people and the student community. This time, the July Charter must have the consensus of all political parties and elections must be held on its basis with full legal backing,” he said. Nahid was speaking at a street rally organised by the Gazipur Metropolitan and District units of the NCP on Rajbari Road in the city. “The draft of the July Charter has been prepared, " he said. "We have said that there must be consensus among the political parties on this and elections must be held based on the July document and it must have a legal basis. Whichever government comes to power, it will be obliged to implement these reforms. We hope that by August 5, the interim government and political parties will present the July Charter,” he said. Sylhet will be a key base for NCP in future Bangladesh: Nahid Islam Earlier in the day, the party also held a rally in Mawna of Sreepur upazila, as part of their ongoing campaign across the country. Nahid Islam reiterated his party’s stance on what he termed the fight for a "new Bangladesh." He alleged that despite intimidation efforts by "terror elements" in Gazipur, NCP would not be deterred. “They couldn’t stop us in Gopalganj and they won’t stop us in Gazipur either. We’ve reached 64 districts and will continue our movement. We’ve declared that every inch of Bangladesh’s land will be freed from Mujibism, and those responsible will be brought to justice,” said Nahid. He also urged the people to stand by the families of the martyred and  injured in the mass uprising. Speaking at the rally, Hasnat Abdullah, an organiser of the party, said “Sheikh Hasina turned the army into construction workers and used the police as political tools.” He added that reforms are underway to prevent the political misuse of law enforcement and if given the chance, NCP would modernise and strengthen the army, he said. Moderated by NCP organiser Sarjis Alam the rally was addressed by several other leaders of the party.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Friday said Sylhet will become one of the strongest bases of the NCP in building a new Bangladesh. He made the remarks while addressing a street rally at the Sylhet Central Shaheed Minar after leading a procession in the city as part of the party’s ongoing “July Campaign.” “Sylhet has always stood at the forefront of history — from the 1947 referendum to the Liberation War and the July uprising. But the people of Sylhet have long been deprived first by the British, then by Pakistan, and even during the Awami League era,” Nahid said. Paying tribute to the 17 Sylhet residents who were killed during the July uprising, including journalist ATM Turab, he said the NCP is committed to fulfilling the dreams of those martyrs through the creation of a just and inclusive Bangladesh. No progress on justice for killings, disappearances since uprising: NCP’s Akhter Nahid also highlighted the contribution of expatriates, especially the Sylheti community in London, to the national economy. “Our economy moves forward with the sweat of our brothers abroad. We are fighting for their voting rights and believe they should have a role in national policymaking,” he added. Calling for mass participation at the party’s upcoming rally in Dhaka on August 3, he said the “July Charter” and “July Declaration” would be formally announced from that platform. NCP's southern region coordinator Hasnat Abdullah said, “Our country has always been run by administrators, businessmen, or the military- never by the people. We want to build a people’s Bangladesh.” Attack on NCP leaders in Gopalganj carried out with intent to murder: Nahid Islam He claimed NCP has emerged as a clean political alternative, free from corruption and extortion. Earlier, the NCP brought out a procession from Chowhatta, which ended at the Shaheed Minar with a rally moderated by northern coordinator Sarjis Alam. Senior party leaders including Anik Roy, Ehteshamul Haque, Tasnim Jara, Nasir Uddin Patwari, Sadia Farzana Dina, Samanta Sharmin, and Golam Mortuza Selim were also present.

Vowing to continue resistance against ‘Fascism and Mujibism’, National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Friday urged all to remain vigilant as there is another fight ahead. “There is another battle ahead. I urge our supporters to stay alert. We need the support of the people of Munshiganj in this fight to build a new Bangladesh," he said.  Nahid made the call while addressing a street rally organised by the party at Super Market intersection in Munshiganj Sadar upazila. “The fight against fascism and Mujibism will go on. We must build resistance in every neighborhood,” he said. Referring to a recent attack in Gopalganj, he warned that even if similar attacks take place in ten more places, their movement will not be stopped. NCP warns of consequences for bringing back ‘old culture of terrorism’ Seeking support from people of Munshiganj, he also pledged action against river erosion and illegal sand extraction in the district. NCP leader Sarjis Alam said the country will not be truly free until fascism is eliminated.  Hasnat Abdullah, the party’s chief organiser  for the southern region, said all political forces must unite to resist both domestic and foreign conspiracies. “We need a policy-based state, not a leader-based one,” he said. Earlier, a procession from Shaheed Minar premises in Munshiganj town joined the rally at Super Market’s Shaheed Square.  A large number of NCP leaders, activists and residents attended the event, where speakers urged people to prepare for a mass movement. 

National Citizens Party (NCP) seeks to build an equal, democratic Bangladesh for farmers, workers, students, and ordinary people, said Nahid Islam, convenor of the party. Speaking at a public gathering in Thakurgaon on Friday afternoon, Nahid said the NCP is committed to realising  the dream of a dignified Bangladesh that emerged from the July uprising. The event was held at the Thakurgaon bus stand area after Jummah prayers at the district’s Art Gallery Model Mosque as part of the party’s countrywide ‘July March’ programme. "Friends, we remember how students took to the streets in July and August to resist the fascist dictatorship. Many were injured and martyred in that movement. Today, we honour their sacrifices," said Nahid. He alleged that the old system rooted in fascism still exists in the country. "The NCP has emerged to dismantle that system and establish a new Bangladesh," he added. NCP warns of consequences for bringing back ‘old culture of terrorism’ Nahid stressed the party's fight for justice for genocide, basic reforms, and a new constitution. "We must present the July Declaration within July-August," he said. Issuing a stern warning over border killings and pushbacks by India’s BSF, the NCP leader declared, "This is not Hasina's Bangladesh, this is the Bangladesh of the people after the uprising." Nahid also criticised the Dhaka-centric development model, saying, "There will be no regional or economic disparity in Bangladesh. Development will reach neglected districts like Thakurgaon." Among others, NCP Central Member Secretary Akhter Hossain, Southern Chief Organiser Hasnat Abdullah, Northern Chief Organiser Sarjis Alam, Chief Coordinator Nasir Uddin Patwari, Senior Joint Member Secretary Dr Tasnim Zara and Thakurgaon District Coordinator Golam Mortuza Selim were present at the event.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convenor Nahid Islam on Thursday warned that those attempting to revive the old culture of terrorism will face consequences like those faced by autocrat Sheikh Hasina, as the spirit of the July warriors remains alive. “An attempt is being made to bring back the old culture…we are seeing that again. Those who carried out the July people's uprising are still awake, still on the streets. If anyone thinks that they can bring back the old occupation and the politics of old terrorism, then their fate will also be like that of the dictator Hasina,“ he said while addressing a street rally in Nilphamari district town on the third-day of their ‘July March’. Expressing frustration over the fulfillment of July expectations, he said many desires have not been yet fulfilled post the uprising, vowing to continue their fight. Recalling the contribution of all walks of life to oust the Sheikh Hasina government, he said the discrimination-free country is yet to be established despite sacrificing thousands of lives. Nahid said they did not need to form a political party if all demands were met post the uprising. Regarding the justice for the July victims, those who, including Sheikh Hasina and her collaborators carried out genocide must be tried, otherwise pains of the martyr families will not wipe out. No support for old appointment practices in constitutional bodies: Nahid "There must be fundamental reforms, and we must move towards elections through these reforms. Bangladesh needs a new constitution. The Awami League and the ‘Mujibbadi constitution’ must be discarded. There is no point in retaining a constitution that is not the constitution of people,” he said. Party’s chief organiser (southern region) Hasnat Abdullah, senior joint convenor Samanta Sharmin, senior joint member secretary Dr Tasnim Zara, and joint chief organiser (northern region) Abu Sayed Leon were, among others present. Chief organiser (northern zone) Sarjis Alam conducted the event.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke has met National Citizen Party (NCP) leaders Nahid Islam and Tasnim Jara, and discussed political issues, reiterating its support for Bangladesh’s democratic and inclusive future. The British High Commission in Dhaka on Wednesday said the meeting was part of a series of discussions with political parties.  NCP delegation to meet Prof Yunus following BNP-Jamaat meetings The meeting centred around the UK’s continued support to Bangladesh and pathway towards a ‘democratic, inclusive and prosperous’ future, said the High Commission.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Saturday said the current interim government must not focus solely on holding elections but should also ensure justice for the July killings, address past crimes and state reform. "Only holding an election is not enough. The government must head toward elections through ensuring the trial for July uprising killings, past crimes, and state reform," said Nahid at a press briefing at its central office at the city's Bangla Motor.  Show-cause notice issued to NCP’s Hannan for releasing 3 from police custody “A roadmap must be presented simultaneously for trial, reform and elections. This would help build a sense of comfort among political parties,” he added. He said their expectation is that Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will engage in dialogue with political parties and work toward a solution. The NCP leader demanded the announcement of a ‘July Declaration’ within a specific timeframe. He questioned whether the interim government was merely an election-time government or one tasked with fulfilling the aspirations of the people’s uprising. “We believe this interim government emerged from the context of a mass uprising. Therefore, it has a responsibility to implement its aspirations,” he added.  DNCC rejects allegations of bias over water spraying at NCP's AL ban rally Calling for responsible behaviour by all, Nahid said, “Given the current situation, national security and the vision for a future democratic Bangladesh both political parties and the public must act responsibly.”  

Calling Awami League (AL) a terrorist organisation, National Citizen Party (NCP) Convenor Nahid Islam on Monday demanded that the registration of the party (AL) be cancelled. Speaking virtually at an iftar event organised by the party’s Narayanganj district unit, Nahid, a former adviser to the interim government, said his party will resist if any effort is made to rehabilitate the AL again, alleging that some quarters are trying to rehabilitate it. Even before the past 15 years, the AL also had established fascism earlier and you (party fellows) know how much oppressions had been carried by the party on people, he said. Recalling the role of the Narayanganj people in the July uprising, he said the NCP was launched with new political aspirations, and it aims to build the country afresh in continuation with the July uprising. Nahid calls for consensus to end ‘Mujibbadi’ politics in Bangladesh Seeking support from people to build a new Bangladesh, Nahid said they have been demanding justice of the mass killers, structural reforms of the country and elections to the Constituent Assembly. He said ensuring visible judgment of the AL for the fascism before the next election is one of the main demands of the NCP. If the trial of AL fascists is not ensured after the mass uprising, then it is not certain that the country will not see another fascism, Nahid said. Expressing his party’s firm stance on the reforms and changes, he alleged that some parties are going back to the past’s arrangements and expressing reluctance to the reforms. “New Bangladesh is not possible with the old constitution as the constitution we have requires the election of a Constituent Assembly,” he observed. Simultaneous legislative and constituent assembly elections possible: Nahid Urging leaders and workers to stand against extortion and supremacy, Nahid expressed his desire to stand by fellows to sort out their problems.

National Citizens' Party (NCP) Convenor Nahid Islam on Saturday said that elections would be ineffective without prior reforms, stressing the need for constitutional amendments through a Constituent Assembly for sustainable change. “We have discussed reforms and reiterated our stance on constitutional amendments. We believe that any fundamental changes to the constitution must be undertaken through a Constituent Assembly; otherwise, such reforms will not be sustainable,” he told journalists following a roundtable discussion on reform proposals. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, representatives from political parties, the National Consensus Commission and other stakeholders attended the dialogue.  In response to a question, Nahid said, “Though we view elections as part of the reform process, elections will serve no purpose without reforms.”  He emphasised that the NCP’s position on reforms is rooted in post-uprising circumstances under which the government was formed. Reforms: Guterres holds talks with political leaders, Consensus Building Commission "Reforms and justice are among its key commitments to the people. Therefore, fundamental reforms must be initiated during this government's tenure, and all political parties must reach a consensus—something that is being referred to as the ‘July Charter’,” he said.  Highlighting the need for a Constituent Assembly election, Nahid said that the upcoming national election should also include elections for a legislative body and the assembly. He also stressed the importance of ensuring justice and expressed appreciation for the UN’s role in supporting Bangladesh’s reform process, particularly in the aftermath of the July uprising.  Nahid reiterated that the NCP has called for the swift implementation of the July Charter and insisted that constitutional reforms should be carried out through a Constituent Assembly. “Amending the constitution solely through Parliament will not be sustainable,” he noted.  Nahid Islam said, “We have conveyed our party’s position. The UN Secretary-General, from his standpoint, has encouraged Bangladesh’s political parties and the government to reach a consensus and uphold the true essence of democracy by working together in unity.”