Cox's Bazar, July 20 (V7N) — National Citizen Party (NCP) Convenor Nahid Islam spoke out on Saturday against the resurgence of local “godfathers” and emphasized that institutional reforms, not personal public relations (PR), must not be delayed under their banner.
Speaking at an NCP rally at Shaheed Daulat Maidan beside Chattogram Public Library, Nahid Islam issued a stern warning: “Under Sheikh Hasina’s regime, Cox’s Bazar became a sanctuary for terrorists. Just as Narayanganj had its godfather Shamim Osman, Cox’s Bazar spawned another from Shillong—land grabbers, extortionists, insensitive to reform. We have dismantled that system. We will not allow a new one to emerge.”
He added that structural reforms—overhauling the Election Commission, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), and key state bodies—take precedence over superficial PR. “People understand reform. For that, we need constitutional committees ensuring neutral appointments. If we agree on these two reforms, that’s our July declaration,” he stated, announcing that the NCP will gather at the Shahid Minar on August 3 to finalize their "July Declaration" and "July Charter."
Addressing the Rohingya crisis, Nahid said the repatriation process should involve international cooperation: “We care for Rohingya refugees, but Bangladesh cannot bear permanent responsibility. For safety and order in Cox’s Bazar, they must return to their homeland with dignity.”
South region coordinator Hasnat Abdullah reinforced the message, “No party can sabotage reform. Fair elections must follow genuine reform. We need a reformed commission before polling.”
Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari added, “In Narayanganj, Shamim Osman was godfather. Now, another from Shillong is here—seizing land, extorting money, blind to reform. Cox’s Bazar will not tolerate those against PR and reform.”
The rally marked heightened tensions: earlier, in Chakoria, Cox’s Bazar, NCP organizers accused BNP of vandalizing their rally stage after Patwari referred to Salahuddin Ahmed as a “godfather.” BNP and Chatra Dal activists reportedly used sticks, blocking the convoy and prompting army and police intervention. According to Additional Superintendent of Police Jasim Uddin, NCP vehicles were held for an hour in Chakoria before forces escorted them safely away, preventing any further disruption.
The NCP plans to mobilize a march in Chattogram on Sunday, followed by visits to Khagrachhari and Rangamati on Monday, culminating in a return march to Chattogram from Kaptai Road at 3:30 p.m.
END/MSM/SMA/
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