Dhaka: National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam on Thursday declared a firm stance against allowing any ‘autocrat or oppressor’ to remain in power in Bangladesh, asserting that sacrifices would be made if necessary.

According to United News of Bangladesh, Nahid made these remarks while addressing the party’s ‘July March’ program in Kanaighat upazila of Sylhet. He passionately emphasized their resolve by stating, “Even at the cost of our blood, we will not allow any new autocrat or oppressor to stay in power in Bangladesh – never, never, never.” During his speech, Nahid criticized Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh in December of the previous year, questioning whether his return was part of a larger plan.

Nahid also referenced an incident involving a college student in Habiganj, who reportedly lost an eye in an attack. He accused supporters of Whip GK Gouse of being responsible for the attack, which left a young protester injured. He described the injured student as a “July fighter” and demanded justice, insisting that “his eye must be returned.”

Highlighting past grievances, Nahid recalled how hundreds of protesters were injured or lost their eyes during the tenure of the previous Awami League government, noting that Sheikh Hasina is currently living in exile in Delhi. He warned that the people of Bangladesh would not tolerate harm to anyone’s eyes and pledged to continue their struggle until justice was served.

In his address, Nahid expressed reverence for Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia but condemned the misuse of their images for purposes of terrorism, land grabbing, or property occupation. He urged for reforms and justice, emphasizing the need to protect the people’s rights to freedom of expression, employment, and food.

Nahid also alerted the residents of Kanaighat to potential election manipulation through “musclemen and terrorists” in the upcoming local government elections. He stated, “We could not prevent the engineering in the national election, but we will not allow any manipulation, musclemen or terrorists in the local government elections.” He encouraged the people to be vigilant and to elect suitable representatives in the forthcoming polls.