Nahid Islam Calls for Minority Communities to Maintain Ties with All Political Parties

Online Desk : National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Chief Whip of the Opposition Nahid Islam on Saturday urged Bangladesh’s minority communities to maintain relationships with all political parties rather than aligning themselves with a single political force.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion titled “Sampriti July: Contribution of Hindu, Buddhist and Christian Communities in the July Uprising,” held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) auditorium in Segunbagicha to mark the second anniversary of the July mass uprising.

“We believe minorities should maintain ties with all parties. It is not appropriate to become beholden to one party. If they do, the minority community ends up bearing the burden of all the crimes and misdeeds of that party,” Nahid said.

He alleged that the previous Awami League government repeatedly used the issue of minority communities for political purposes.

According to Nahid, the party sought to present itself as secular while portraying its political opponents as communal, particularly during election periods. He claimed that similar political tactics were also visible ahead of the 2026 election and stressed that every political party should work to build confidence among minority communities so they do not feel insecure.

Nahid described the July uprising as a non-communal movement from its beginning and said its vision of building a discrimination-free and inclusive society remains unchanged.

“People of all faiths and communities took part in the uprising. At least nine members of minority communities were martyred,” he said.

Referring to the period following the uprising, Nahid recalled that madrasa students had guarded temples after the fall of the government, describing it as an example of solidarity during a national crisis.

“We do not want a situation to arise again where temples need to be guarded. But the uprising showed we are capable of rising above division in times of crisis. Even so, several unwanted incidents have occurred since,” he said.

He urged the government to give proper attention to the demands of Hindu, Buddhist and Christian communities and called for justice over attacks against minorities, including incidents involving land grabbing as well as enforced disappearances and killings.

Nahid also called on minority communities to support institutional reforms, saying that protecting everyone’s rights requires stronger democratic institutions.

“We have emphasised institutional reforms to ensure everyone’s rights. Communal harmony can only be ensured if democracy is strengthened. Without a strong democracy, harmony will not be assured. If the justice system is independent and impartial, everyone will benefit,” he said.

The NCP leader further alleged that a culture of repression against opposition parties was re-emerging and warned that an atmosphere of fear was again developing in the country.

He said national unity should be maintained through the implementation of the July Charter, commitment to justice and improvements in law and order, adding that all political forces should act responsibly to help the country overcome its economic and political challenges.

The discussion was chaired by NCP Joint Member Secretary Pritom Das.

Among those attending as special guests were Bangladesh Buddhist Association General Secretary Bhikkhu Sunandapriya Mahathero, St. Mary’s Cathedral Director Father Albert Thomas Rozario, NCP Political Council members Sarwar Tushar and Ali Ahsan Junaed, along with representatives from different communities.