National Citizen Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam said Bangladesh, won through the blood of its people, would not allow any new autocrat or oppressor to remain in power. He made the remarks on Thursday as chief guest at the party’s “July March” programme in Kanaighat, Sylhet. He called for an end to violence, the establishment of democracy, protection of freedom of expression, employment, food security, state reform and justice.

Referring to an attack on a college student and “July fighter” in Habiganj, Islam questioned Tarique Rahman over the message conveyed by the incident. He said the teenager’s eye could not be restored and that they would not leave the streets until justice was delivered. Islam said he respected late president Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia, but would not accept terrorism, land grabbing or extortion carried out using their images.

On local government elections, Islam warned that attempts could be made to rig votes using armed groups and enforcers. He urged people to prepare to exercise their voting rights freely and support qualified candidates. He called for united work to elect NCP and Shaplakali-symbol candidates, and endorsed Golam Borhan Uddin Yusuf in Kanaighat.