National Citizen Party (NCP) convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam has called for building an accountable, just, and inclusive state system to repay the debt owed to the martyrs of the Liberation War. In a message issued on Wednesday marking the 55th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence, he extended greetings to all Bangladeshis at home and abroad and reaffirmed his party’s commitment to fight corruption, injustice, and inequality while ensuring equal rights, dignity, and security for all citizens.

Nahid Islam described Independence and National Day as a moment of pride and self-respect, paying tribute to the martyrs and the persecuted women whose sacrifices shaped the nation’s history. He said the 1971 independence struggle was not only for territory but also for justice, equality, democracy, and human dignity—principles that remain unfulfilled. He criticized repeated impositions of autocratic rule that weakened democracy and national sovereignty.

Referring to the July mass uprising that ended autocratic rule, he said the nation regained its democratic rights and dignity. He urged the new generation to uphold truth, justice, courage, and patriotism to build the Bangladesh envisioned by the Liberation War.