Dhaka, Dec 19 (V7N) – National Citizens’ Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam has stated that Bangladesh should not maintain any form of relationship with India if the perpetrators behind the killing of Inquilab Manch spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi have fled to Indian territory and are not returned to face justice.

He made the remarks shortly after midnight on Thursday while addressing a solidarity rally at Shahbagh in the capital. Former Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan was also present at the gathering.

Nahid Islam said the ongoing movement is not solely about seeking justice for the killing of a single leader but represents a broader struggle to protect the country’s independence, sovereignty, and democratic future. He claimed that the July mass uprising marked a public rejection not only of the Awami League but also of what he described as long-standing Indian dominance in Bangladesh’s political, economic, and cultural spheres.

Referring to historical context, he alleged that since 1971, India has sought to exert influence over Bangladesh, and that many major political and social movements in the country have been driven by resistance to such dominance. He warned that following the July uprising, there is no room to retreat from this struggle.

Highlighting Sharif Osman Hadi’s political activism, Nahid Islam said Hadi had launched his movement from Shahbagh to defend Bangladesh’s sovereignty against foreign and external aggression.

Calling on protesters to remain peaceful and disciplined, he urged unity among demonstrators while cautioning against sabotage within the movement. He warned that any attack or use of firearms against protesters would be met with strong resistance.

During the rally, students occupying the Shahbagh intersection demanded the resignation of Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury. The area resonated with slogans as both former and current Dhaka University student leaders joined the demonstration.

Meanwhile, the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal announced a separate protest march in the Dhaka University area at the same time. In anticipation of possible unrest, law enforcement agencies increased security presence in and around Shahbagh.

END/AJ/SMA/