Ahead of the upcoming national elections, central leaders of the National Citizens Party (NCP) visited Satkhira to strengthen organizational activities. 

On Saturday (12 July) at around 10 a.m., the central leaders arrived at Kumira Football Field in Tala upazila, where they were warmly welcomed with flowers by local party activists. The entire area took on a festive atmosphere.

Central Convener of the party Nahid Islam, Organizational Secretary Sarjis Alam, and Hasnat Abdullah along with about a dozen other central leaders participated in the visit. After a brief roadside gathering at Kumira, the delegation proceeded toward the city. At 11 a.m., a roadside rally was held at Shaheed Asif Chattar on Khulna Road in Satkhira town.

Addressing the rally as the chief guest, NCP Convener Nahid Islam said: “Braving the sun, rain, and storms, the leaders of the National Citizens Party are moving forward. We have called for a charter of July Uprising, demanded justice, and a new constitution. But a particular quarter stands against the people’s demands. They want to maintain the old arrangements, preserve old politics, and continue extortion and terrorism. But we have declared that after the people’s uprising and so many sacrifices, returning to old politics will not be easy. The power of the uprising is still present in the field; its roar is still loud.”

“They thought they could buy off the strength of the uprising by offering two or three seats and promises of power-sharing. But those who carry the power of revolution, who have faced death, cannot be bought by any political force. They say the door is open. We said we opened the door on 5th August. On that day, we proposed to form a national government, to rebuild the country beyond all divisions. But they did not respond to our proposal. Instead, they demanded elections within three months, then within six months. They had no interest in reforms except for power-sharing. We said we do not want to create enemies within the country. We want to rebuild the nation with unity. Even now, we say — our door is still open for reform, not for power-sharing. If the door closes this time, the people will not forgive you.”

“Dear residents of Satkhira, you are people of the coastal region. Even while facing cyclones and adversities, you have guarded this country. We know about Satkhira’s educational mismanagement, health system failures, and poor transportation infrastructure. Satkhira still lacks a railway connection, even after 54 years. Don’t we want a railway in Satkhira? Don’t we want a better education system? Don’t we want improved healthcare? — asking these questions to the public, Nahid Islam emphasized the importance of protecting the climate, the Sundarbans, and the coastal region. He said the NCP will work to protect the land and people of Satkhira.”

Urging people to support the NCP, Nahid Islam said, “There’s no reason to fear extortionists. If the student-youth of this country can send the 16-year fascist Sheikh Hasina to Delhi, they will never fear extortionists. Calling on students, youth, and party activists to unite, he said, we must build a just, corruption- and discrimination-free state. That is why our martyrs sacrificed their lives, and the people of Satkhira shed their blood — we must realize their dreams. For that, everyone must work in unity.”

NCP Organizational Secretary Sarjis Alam stated: “Our struggle is not over yet. Until we reach our desired goals, we must continue this fight.”

The rally, presided over by NCP Satkhira District Coordinator Kamruzzaman Bulu, also featured speeches from South Region Joint Chief Organizer Mezbaha Kamal and physician Tasnim Zara. Additionally, South Region Chief Organizer Hasnat Abdullah led slogan chants from the stage.

Before the rally, the central leaders met with families of those injured and martyred during the July Uprising at Shaheed Asif Chattar. Later, a procession was held from the Chattar to New Market intersection. Following this, the central leaders inaugurated the district office on the second floor of Al Baraka Hotel in the New Market area.

Hundreds of party activists joined the event, many of them carrying banners, placards, and party flags.

Due to the procession and public gathering, local authorities took additional security measures. The Roads and Highways Department had already repaired several key roads in preparation.