Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), on Sunday issued a strong message regarding recent actions by India’s Border Security Force (BSF), warning that further aggression along the border would provoke direct public resistance.
Speaking at a roadside rally outside Chapainawabganj Government College, following the party’s “July March” procession from Shanti Mor, Nahid said the BSF’s behavior had crossed a line.
“They’ve shown arrogance, launched attacks, and thrown grenades. That will not be tolerated anymore,” he said. “If they do it again, we’ll go on a long march. We must protect our borders on our own.”
Chapainawabganj Framed as a Symbol of Defiance
Referring to the historical significance of the region, Nahid said, “Chapainawabganj is not just another district. It’s a symbol of resistance. The history of fighting back—with a farmer’s sickle—begins here.”
The NCP leader tied these historical references to the party’s broader demands. “After the mass uprising, we envisioned a new Bangladesh. We demanded reform. We called for justice. We asked for the July charter to be implemented. That goal remains.”
Rally Highlights Broader Anti-Government Sentiment
Earlier in the day, during a brief stop in Godagari upazila of Rajshahi, Nahid reiterated that their movement would continue until those demands are met.
“We’re not going home,” he said. “The revolutionaries are awake. And they’re staying awake.”
He framed the party’s ongoing march across the country as part of a deeper political effort to challenge what he described as a legacy of inequality and authoritarianism.
“This July March is not symbolic,” he said. “It’s an act of rebuilding. We are visiting all 64 districts. This is about the July charter and ending discrimination in Bangladesh.”
Godagari’s Role in the Movement Remembered
Nahid also praised the people of Godagari for their role in past confrontations with police.
“You didn’t back down on August 5 when bullets were fired,” he said. “That courage helped turn the tide. When we heard what happened in Godagari, we knew this wasn’t just about one place—it was about an entire country ready to push back.”
While the NCP hasn’t offered a detailed plan beyond this march, their talk makes one thing clear: they want to be seen as a force that’s ready to stay on the streets for the long haul.
So far, neither the government nor India’s BSF has responded to their comments.
