The National Citizen Party (NCP) held a public rally in Sylhet on Friday, identifying the northeastern city as a key political base in its efforts to reshape the national landscape.
Speaking after a citywide procession at Sylhet’s Central Shaheed Minar, NCP’s Nahid Islam said the area has always had a big hand in the country’s history.
“Sylhet has been at the forefront—from the 1947 referendum to the Liberation War and the July uprising,” Nahid said during the gathering. “Yet the people here have long been denied their due, first under British rule, then Pakistan, and even today under the Awami League.”
The rally was part of the party’s “July Campaign,” which highlights historic events and calls for structural reforms.
Nahid paid tribute to the 17 residents of Sylhet, including journalist ATM Turab, who lost their lives during the July uprising.
He said the NCP’s vision is to honor their legacy by building an inclusive, equitable Bangladesh.
The speech also focused on the role of expatriates, particularly Sylheti communities abroad. Nahid said these workers have been instrumental in supporting the national economy and deserve political representation.
“Our brothers abroad, especially in London, are the engine behind our economy. We’re fighting to secure their right to vote and to participate in national decisions,” he added.
The NCP plans to formally release its “July Charter” and “July Declaration” during a mass rally in Dhaka on August 3.
Hasnat Abdullah, the party’s southern region coordinator, echoed Nahid’s message and pointed to a larger goal of redefining who governs the country.
“Administrators, businessmen, and the military have ruled Bangladesh. But never the people. That’s what we aim to change,” Hasnat said.
He described the NCP as a political force that emerged from crisis and public demand.
“This is not a party built on extortion or opportunity. It grew by confronting fascism and rejecting the politics of the Awami League,” he said.
NCP’s chief coordinator, Nasiruddin Patwari, also addressed the crowd, distancing the party from the BNP but stressing a non-negotiable stance on criminal activities.
“We’re not against BNP, nor Khaleda Zia or Tarique Rahman,” he said. “But there is no space in this country for syndicates or extortionists.”
Patwari said any future political alliance would have one condition: “No room for terrorism, no tolerance for syndicates. Politics must serve the people.”
Wrapping up the event, Nahid reaffirmed the party’s identity as a clean political alternative.
“The NCP stands for justice, not power. For solutions, not slogans. And above all, for the people.”
