Nahid Islam, Convener of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), has said that those who signed the July Charter have become detached from the popular uprising and the people. He made the remarks during a press conference at the party’s temporary office in Banglamotor, Dhaka, on Saturday afternoon.
Nahid Islam stated, “In yesterday’s incident, the July activists who were injured were wrongly labeled as followers of the fascist Awami League by BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed. Since he was away from the country during the July uprising and not present on the streets, he may not know who actually fought and who stood in front of bullets.”
He added that labeling figures like Atikul Gazi, the family of Shaheed Mir Mughdh, and Shaheed Yamin’s family as followers of the fascist Awami League is deeply hurtful. He urged Salahuddin to immediately retract his statements and apologize to the injured activists and the families of martyrs.
The press conference was attended by party Secretary Akhtar Hossain and other central leaders.
Meanwhile, the July National Charter was signed by chief advisor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus and leaders of 24 major political parties. After the signing, Dr. Yunus said, “Today will be remembered in history as an example, and the names of those who made the impossible possible will remain immortal.”
However, NCP and some leftist parties did not sign the charter, citing unclear implementation procedures and legal foundations as their concern. During the signing ceremony, July activists staged a protest at the venue of the National Parliament, which led to clashes with the police. The confrontations included baton charges, brick-throwing, vandalism of police vehicles, and street arson, leaving several police personnel and activists injured.