“Bangladesh will not allow the rise of any more godfathers,” warned Nahid Islam, Convener of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), during a rally in Cox’s Bazar.
He made the statement on Saturday (19 July) at 2:00 PM while addressing a gathering at Shaheed Daulat Maidan in the Public Library premises of Cox’s Bazar town. The event was part of the NCP’s month-long “March to Build the Nation,” marking the 19th day of the campaign.
Reflecting on the district’s past, Nahid Islam said: “Under the previous government, Cox’s Bazar was a haven for drugs and crime, much like Narayanganj under its godfathers. During Sheikh Hasina’s rule, godfather networks spread across the country. We dismantled that system, and we will not allow the emergence of new godfathers.”
Addressing the state of the tourism industry in Cox’s Bazar, Nahid said: “The authoritarian Awami League destroyed Cox’s Bazar’s tourism industry through eviction and looting. We want to establish an eco-friendly tourism sector that ensures the rights and participation of local communities.”
On the Rohingya issue, Nahid Islam remarked: “We have shown humanity towards the Rohingyas, but keeping them in Bangladesh for so long is an injustice to the people of Cox’s Bazar. Considering law and order and security, arrangements must be made for their swift repatriation.”
“We urge the interim government, Dr. Yunus, and the international community to find a quick and dignified solution to the Rohingya crisis and ensure their safe return to their homeland with rights and dignity,’ he added.
As part of the “July March,” Saturday’s program began around 12:45 PM from the Cox’s Bazar Central Bus Terminal and concluded at the Public Library grounds. The march, with a large turnout of NCP leaders and activists, created a lively atmosphere in Cox’s Bazar, where strict security measures were in place.
Other speakers at the event included NCP leaders Hasnat Abdullah, Nasir Uddin Patwari, Tasnim Jara, S M Suza Uddin, among others.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
