Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), told supporters on Saturday that the country must not allow the reemergence of political godfathers.
Speaking at a rally near the public library in Cox’s Bazar, Nahid delivered a sharp message as part of the party’s “July March to Build the Nation” campaign.
“No new godfathers will be created in Bangladesh,” he said, addressing the crowd.
Past Leadership Criticized Over Crime and Influence
Nahid accused the former administration of turning Cox’s Bazar into a center for terrorism and drugs. Drawing a comparison, he said the influence once seen in Narayanganj extended to this southern coastal district.
“Under Sheikh Hasina, godfathers ruled the country,” Nahid said. “We have put an end to the rule of the godfathers along with her regime.”
Tourism and Local Rights in Focus
Turning to tourism, Nahid criticized past initiatives in Cox’s Bazar. He claimed the development under the Awami League came at the expense of local communities.
“In the name of tourism, the Awami League has only carried out looting and eviction,” he said.
He advocated for an alternative approach that respects both the environment and the local population. “We want an environmentally friendly tourism system to be developed where the rights and interests of the local people of Cox’s Bazar will be protected.”
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Rohingya Issue Described as Unresolved Crisis
Speaking about the Rohingya crisis, Nahid recognized the humanitarian challenges but admitted feeling increasingly frustrated with how things stand.
“From a humanitarian perspective, we sympathize with them,” he said. “However, leaving them in Bangladesh for years without rights is not a solution.”
The statement comes during a time when the Rohingya issue remains a major concern in Bangladesh, with Cox’s Bazar still bearing much of the burden.
Other Party Members Join the Call for Change
NCP’s southern region chief organizer Hasnat Abdullah and central leader Tasnim Jara were also present at the rally. Both expressed support for the ongoing campaign and echoed the call for structural changes in governance and regional policy.
The gathering marked another public appearance in the party’s July push, focused on reshaping the national conversation around leadership, local empowerment, and lasting reform.
