C T Online Desk: Opposition Chief Whip and National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam has said Bangladesh’s responsibilities have increased following the results of the West Bengal elections, urging responsible national conduct and ensuring the security and civil rights of all religious communities in the country.
He made the remarks on Thursday afternoon while speaking as the chief guest at a joining ceremony of the NCP held at the “July Mass Uprising Memorial” hall of the Chittagong Press Club.
Nahid Islam said West Bengal is an important neighboring region for Bangladesh, but its election is an internal matter of India. He, however, claimed that before the election, several hundred thousand voters were allegedly deprived of citizenship and voting rights, many of them from Muslim and Matua communities.
He further alleged that after the election, minorities, including Muslims, Matua and Dalit communities, have faced continued persecution, warning that such developments could have implications for Bangladesh.
He said those “anti-Bangladesh” forces would continue to spread provocation, communalism and propaganda, urging awareness to counter such narratives. He added that Bangladesh should set an example in South Asia by ensuring safety for all minorities and becoming a secure place for all communities, including Muslims, Dalits and Matua populations.
Nahid Islam also called for unity within the NCP, saying internal divisions should be avoided and all members should work collectively under the party flag on the basis of merit. He said unity would be the party’s greatest strength in addressing ongoing national crises, including the July mass killings and reform implementation through both parliamentary and street-level efforts.
He further stressed the need to protect the rights of those who participated in past movements and ensure their inclusion in future political processes.
Referring to public health concerns, he expressed concern over the rising incidence of measles in the country and urged the government to strengthen healthcare services to prevent further child deaths.
