Authoritarian Allies Still Active in Bangladesh’s Administration: Nahid Islam

Melbourne, July 21 — Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) and a key student leader in Bangladesh’s historic mass uprising, has alleged that pro-authoritarian elements remain active within the country’s administration, hindering the effective implementation of many government welfare initiatives at the grassroots level.

Speaking on Sunday morning in New Market, Chattogram, during a meeting with families of martyrs from the July Uprising, Nahid said:

“When we were in government, or when individuals from our side held positions, we tried to take various initiatives for the families of July martyrs. But many of those efforts didn’t reach the ground or were delayed—because elements loyal to the old authoritarian regime still exist within various levels of the administration.”

He added,

“The respect that these martyr families deserve has not been fully realized. We continue to hear these complaints from different areas.”

Referring to political obstacles faced by his party, Nahid noted,

“You’ve seen what happened to us in Gopalganj. We’re facing resistance in various forms across multiple regions. We’re operating under difficult conditions.”

Addressing the families, he emphasized that the NCP was not approaching them as a political party:

“We were part of the uprising. Your loved ones stood with us. We consider you as part of a greater national family, above politics or party lines. The martyrs did not belong to any one party—they belonged to the whole country. They gave their lives for Bangladesh, and we are fighting to uphold their honor.”

Prominent NCP leaders, including Sarjis Alam, chief organizer for the northern region, and Tasnim Zara, joint secretary, were present during the meeting.

The NCP has launched a campaign titled “July March for Nation-Building” on July 1, conducting public meetings and outreach in Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban, and Chattogram. However, a rally in Chakaria had to be canceled after their stage was vandalized.

Reiterating his point, Nahid Islam stated, “The honor and dignity the martyr families deserve has yet to be fully ensured.”

Following the courtesy meeting, NCP leaders departed for Rangamati, where they continued the march and held a public outreach program later in the evening in Chattogram.