As the National Citizen Party's procession arrived in the border town of Thakurgaon, its convenor, Nahid Islam, made a bold pledge to bring an end to indiscriminate deaths along the India-Bangladesh border and shift away from the Dhaka-centric development model.
"Border killings are a big problem in areas of North Bengal, including Thakurgaon. The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) is indiscriminately shooting and killing Bangladeshi citizens at the border, violating the human rights of our people. We will stop these border killings at any cost," Nahid said.
"We want to warn that this is not Hasina's Bangladesh. This is the Bangladesh of students and the people after the mass uprising. The country will be run by pro-Bangladesh people. The killings at the border will be stopped at any cost," he reiterated.
The programme, part of the NCP's ambitious 'July March for Nation-Building', was staged at the old bus stand roundabout in Thakurgaon city at around 12:30pm on Friday. The NCP plans to cover 40 districts this month, marking an unprecedented grassroots mobilisation campaign.
Among central leaders of the NCP, Sarjis Alam, northern region chief organiser, Hasnat Abdullah, southern region chief organiser, Dr Tasnim Zara, senior joint member secretary, Nasiruddin Patwari, chief coordinator, were in attendance, among others.
Underlining the party's aspirations, Nahid said, "We are fighting for the 'July Proclamation', fundamental reforms, genocide trials and a new constitution. The 'July Proclamation' must be issued by August, and it will have a constitutional basis. For the thousands of people of our country who have given their lives and blood, Bangladesh will be formed based on their aspirations."
He added that regional or economic discrimination would not continue in the neglected districts of North Bengal, including Thakurgaon.
"Education, health, employment, communication, and information technology - all sectors need development. This development cannot be limited only to Dhaka. We will accept it as development when there is development in peripheral districts."
Speaking directly to the constituents of the area, Nahid added, "We know the farming community in Thakurgaon is neglected. They do not get fair prices for crops. We want to work for the farmers. The children of farmers started a mass uprising in various colleges and universities of the country, including Dhaka University. We are talking about the dream of a new Bangladesh dreamt by the children of farmers, in this land of farmers, Thakurgaon."
After a brief march in Thakurgaon town, NCP leaders and activists left for Pirganj upazila of the district. Per a previous announcement, they are scheduled to go to Dinajpur next.
The NCP embarked on the ambitious 'July March for Nation-Building' on July 1, starting the month-long march by visiting the grave of martyr Abu Sayed in Pirganj, Rangpur. The programme will conclude with a rally in Dhaka on July 30.
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