Rangamati, July 20 (V7N) – Nahid Islam, Convenor of the National Citizens' Party (NCP), strongly criticized the Constitution of 1972 during a public rally in Rangamati on Sunday, stating that the existing Mujibist constitution fails to represent all communities and fosters division under the guise of nationalism and secularism.

Addressing the rally after a political march that began at the Shilpakala Academy and concluded at Bonrupa intersection, Nahid Islam emphasized the need for a new constitution that ensures dignity and equal rights for all ethnic and religious groups in Bangladesh. He invoked the historical opposition of Hill Tracts leader M.N. Larma to the original constitution, arguing that it marginalized indigenous peoples and excluded pluralistic representation.

"We oppose the 1972 Mujibist constitution, which excludes large sections of society. Under the pretext of Bengali nationalism, it has created separation among non-Bengali communities. It has also promoted division between religions under the banner of secularism. We demand a new democratic constitution based on unity and mutual respect,” said Nahid Islam.

He further added, “Over the past 50 years, Bangladesh has witnessed systematic divisions, and the Chittagong Hill Tracts have suffered the most. A third party has repeatedly exploited these divisions. We will no longer allow external forces to benefit from our internal issues. If there are problems among our communities, we will solve them ourselves—through dialogue, not division.”

The rally featured speeches from key NCP leaders, including Joint Member Secretary Samanta Sharmin, Senior Joint Secretary Dr. Tasnim Zara, Northern Regional Organizer Sarjis Alam, and Southern Regional Organizer Hasnat Abdullah. NCP activists including Nasir Uddin Patowary and Rupaiya Shrestha Tongchangya were also present.

During the rally, Sarjis Alam addressed recent controversy surrounding his comments on Bandarban. “I unintentionally made a statement about Bandarban that I later regretted. I want to sincerely apologize for that,” he said. He also criticized the practice of transferring corrupt officials to peripheral regions like the Hill Tracts and Northern districts, calling it "punishment posting" that punishes communities rather than the wrongdoers themselves.

“Our words may differ in politics, but that should never justify arson attacks on stages or tearing down banners. That is fascist behavior, not political discourse,” said Alam. He emphasized the need for harmony-based politics and rejected the aggressive rhetoric of older political figures who, he claimed, threaten dissenters with metaphoric ‘drowning.’

The rally concluded peacefully, though not without tension.

As NCP leader Nasir Uddin Patowary entered Rangamati, local activists from the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and Jubo Dal attempted to protest the rally. They were intercepted by police at Kathaltoli intersection before reaching the venue. Protesters blocked roads and chanted slogans against the NCP, demanding an apology from Nasir Uddin for previous statements. Law enforcement later dispersed the crowd.

Earlier in the day, vehicular movement was suspended across parts of Rangamati town in anticipation of the rally, causing inconvenience to the public. HSC examinees returning from their exams were particularly affected. Some students chanted slogans against the disruptions, prompting police to remove them from the area.

Rangamati was heavily patrolled by police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and the army throughout the day to maintain order.

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