Arrest the culprits, spare the innocent

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam yesterday called on the government to refrain from harassing any ordinary resident of Gopalganj while demanding the arrest of those he called "fascist terrorists".

"We stand by the common people of Gopalganj. We urge the government to ensure that not even one ordinary person from Gopalganj is harassed. But the fascist terrorists must be arrested, each and every one of them."

Nahid made the remarks while addressing a rally at the Janata Bank intersection in Faridpur town held as part of the party's ongoing "July March to Build the Nation".

Referring to Wednesday's violence, the NCP leader said, "Our peaceful, pre-announced programme in Gopalganj was attacked. The fascists are still using Gopalganj as their safe haven. We've vowed to free the people of Gopalganj from Mujibism."

Nahid further said, "Awami League's student wing, Chhatra League, must be brought to trial for their role in the July atrocities.

"We are on the streets demanding justice, and we will not leave until justice is ensured."

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NCP leaders, activists attacked in Gopalganj following rally

Nahid said that the NCP has been ensuring peaceful political programmes.

"But if fascists come at us, we will not hesitate to resist. We are ready to take up sticks, even arms, if needed.

"We promise the people of Bangladesh. By August 3, we will complete the march across all districts and gather at the Shaheed Minar to declare our July Charter."

Nahid and the NCP leadership arrived at Faridpur Circuit House at 1:40pm via Khulna, Jashore, and Magura.

Heavy security was deployed in Faridpur for the rally. Besides regular police, personnel from the army, Rab, Coast Guard, and Ansar were stationed at key points.

After the rally, the group proceeded towards Rajbari.

At Rajbari, Nahid addressed a rally, saying, "We cannot counter the Awami League just by imposing a ban. This party must be confronted on legal, political, cultural, and intellectual fronts."

The rally was held in front of the Shaheed Smriti Chattar near Gate No 1 railway crossing in the town.

Nahid said, "We carry their ideals and dreams of the brave children of Rajbari, who were martyred in July. We know we cannot be defeated because we know who our enemies and allies are. Our goal is to build a new Bangladesh."

Also speaking at the rally, Hasnat Abdullah, chief organiser (south) of NCP, slammed certain media outlets.

"Those so-called intellectuals and pseudo-analysts sitting in Dhaka and the media have legitimised yesterday's attack on us in Gopalganj.

"The Awami League's cultural and media wings must also be resisted, not just the party itself. We have repeatedly pointed out the role of Bashundhara Media. That outlet employs paid intellectuals and pseudo-liberals who justify the attacks."

"These media outlets, especially Bashundhara's, have reactivated their pens to justify the attack on us yesterday," he added.

The rallies were also addressed by Member Secretary Akhter Hossen, Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari, and other local leaders.

After the event, they departed for Manikganj in the evening.