NCP leaders at a press conference in Khulna. Photo: BSS

KHULNA, April 20, 2025 (BSS) - National Citizen Party (NCP) leaders in Khulna have protested the administration's silence regarding the swift processions held by the Awami League (AL) men at various spots in Khulna City. 

The leaders demanded arrest of the participants in the processions within the next 24 hours.  Otherwise, NCP would take tougher action, they added.  

They made the demand at a press conference, held at the Khulna Press Club this afternoon.

Khulna unit NCP leaders  Ahmad Hamim Rahat and Dr Abdullah Chowdhury read out the written statement in the press conference.

In the statement, they said, “We have observed with deep concern that Awami League led terrorists, accused of coming genocide, have openly held rallies in Khulna and other parts of the country”. 

This terrorist organization, ousted from power in the 2024 mass uprising, has killed nearly two thousand citizens and has left thousands more maimed. 

“The nationwide series of programmes organized by the defeated Awami League within the just eight months of their ouster on August 5 are an attempt to undermine the very existence of post-July Bangladesh. The students will firmly resist this conspiracy,” they said.

The statement also added, “After August 5, when students were occupying the streets, these terrorists did not dare to come out in public. But alarmingly, once the student movement handed over responsibility to the law enforcement agencies and returned to their activities, the public has repeatedly become victims of such anarchy.

“The aggressive behaviour of the defeated forces near the City’s Zero Point, where students shed blood eight months ago, and near the memorial arch of Shaheed Mir Muggdho of the July uprising, is painful for us,” they added. 

They questioned the administration’s apathy and inaction and such behavior of the administration is condemnable. This is not just a failure of the local administration but a reflection of the weakness of the entire state machinery, they added.  

“We would also like to remind you that when Sheikh Bari, the power center of the Awami League, was destroyed, the people of Khulna did not hesitate for a moment to join it. If we witness terrorist activities by the Awami League again on this land, the students will once again bring back July,” they added.

In the statement they also called upon all democratic, progressive, and patriotic forces to rise above their differences and form a united front against this destructive force.