If Justice is Not Served Swiftly, We Will Return to Gopalganj": Nahid Islam

Nahid Islam, the convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), addressed a rally at Gopalganj’s Poura Park on Wednesday, condemning the obstructions faced by his party and vowing to return if justice is not delivered promptly. The event, part of NCP’s "July March" program, was marred by violence, including an attack on a police vehicle and the Upazila Nirbahi Officer’s (UNO) car, as well as assaults on NCP activists by individuals allegedly affiliated with the Awami League.

Speaking at the rally, Nahid Islam stated, “Today, the Mujibists have created obstacles, but we will respond to them. If we were to announce it today, the entire nation would gather in Gopalganj. But we are giving time.” He questioned the audacity of those obstructing the event and sheltering Mujibist elements in Gopalganj, adding, “If justice is not served swiftly, we will return to Gopalganj. We will take it upon ourselves to free Gopalganj from the grip of Mujibists, Inshallah.”

Addressing the people of Gopalganj, Nahid emphasized, “We came here today as part of the July March to build the nation, not to wage war. We came with a message of peace and nation-building. We are not here to change Gopalganj’s name but to ensure the rights of its people in the new Bangladesh we envision.” He urged residents to take responsibility to prevent Gopalganj from becoming a safe haven for Mujibists, stating, “If the police and administration fail, it is your duty to protect yourselves, your district’s dignity, and the nation, just as we did during the mass uprising.” Nahid further accused Mujibists of tarnishing the Liberation War and Gopalganj itself, vowing, “We will reclaim and elevate Gopalganj once again.” He reiterated that the struggle from the July uprising continues, saying, “We said during the mass uprising: if there are obstacles, there will be a fight, and we must win that fight. We won then, and today, with renewed vigor, we will respond to these obstructions, Inshallah.” Hasnat Abdullah, NCP’s chief organizer for the southern region, also spoke, asserting, “Gopalganj has not been allowed to become a part of Bangladesh. The Awami League deliberately isolated Gopalganj from the rest of the country, jeopardang the future of its younger generations. We assure the people of Gopalganj that it is as much a part of Bangladesh as Feni or Bogura. We will fight equally for all. We have freed you from the tyranny of oppressors, and together, we will build a just Bangladesh.” Labeling Sheikh Hasina as self-serving, Hasnat added, “Dear people of Gopalganj, Hasina abandoned you and fled. If she truly cared for Gopalganj, she would have come here instead of escaping to India. She is selfish and never thought of Gopalganj’s people beyond her family.” The rally concluded with NCP leaders, including Hasnat Abdullah, raising slogans calling for the dismantling of Mujibist strongholds in Gopalganj. However, post-rally violence saw Awami League supporters allegedly attacking NCP workers with sticks, escalating tensions in the area.