Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has stated that if there is any issue within the party or with any community, they will sit down and resolve it themselves. He said, “We believe in an inclusive democratic Bangladesh—where people of all communities can live together as fellow citizens with dignity. We are saying clearly—we will not let any third party take advantage of us. If we have any issues among ourselves or if there is a problem within any community, we will sit down and resolve it ourselves. No other party will be allowed to take advantage. For this, we all have to unite.”

He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the ‘July March’ rally of the NCP in Banorupa, the heart of the Rangamati district town, on Sunday (July 20) afternoon.

The rally was presided over by NCP Rangamati District Chief Coordinator Bipin Jyoti Chakma. Among others, NCP’s southern region chief organizer, Hasnat Abdullah; northern region chief organizer, Sarjis Alam; senior joint convener, Samantha Sharmin; and senior member secretary, Dr. Tasnim Jara, gave speeches.

Nahid Islam said, “We have been saying for a long time that the 1972 constitution of Bangladesh—this Mujibist constitution did not include all communities. In the name of ‘Bengali nationality,’ a division has been created between the Bengali and non-Bengali communities. In the name of ‘secularism’, an artificial division has been created between Islam and other religions. We want to rise above these divisions and form an inclusive constitution, where the dignity and rights of all communities will be ensured.”

He further said, ‘Your Rangamati leader MN Larma (Manabendra Narayan Larma) opposed that 1972 constitution. We want that Mujib-era constitution to be repealed and a new democratic constitution to be created, you and I should sit together and sign a new agreement, where you will have rights, and I will have rights too.’

Earlier in the day, the ‘July March’ started from the Shilpakala Academy area of the district town at around 1:15 pm. The march circled the main roads of the town and reached Banarupa, the rally venue.