Nahid Islam, opposition chief whip in parliament and convener of the National Citizen Party, said the government would not have repealed the anti-enforced disappearance ordinance if it truly upheld the ideals of missing BNP leader M Ilyas Ali and the wishes of families of disappearance victims. He made the remarks as chief guest at an NCP procession-following rally in Goalabazar, Osmaninagar, Sylhet, late Thursday night, marking the second anniversary of the July mass uprising.

Islam said repealing the ordinance conflicted with public expectations for accountability, truth-finding and justice for affected families. He described Ilyas Ali's disappearance as a dark chapter in Bangladesh's political history. He said Ilyas Ali had spoken against Indian dominance, including through opposition to the Tipaimukh dam, and claimed the NCP and fighters of the 2024 mass uprising uphold his ideals.

Islam also referred to alleged attacks on NCP activists and vehicle convoys in Kurigram, Golapganj and Habiganj. He called for treatment for those injured, a democratic environment and employment creation. At the end of the meeting, leaders urged support for Osmaninagar NCP convener Mosahid Ali as the party candidate in the upcoming upazila parishad election.