NCP convener Nahid Islam today spoke at the first day of the July walkathon on the occasion of the anniversary of the 'July Mass Uprising' at the DC intersection in Rangpur city on Tuesday. Photo: BSS

RANGPUR, July 1, 2025 (BSS) - National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam said Rangpur's rebellion history inspires us to dream of a new Bangladesh as the history of Rangpur was a history of rebellion. 
 
"Rangpur has given rise to rebellions time and again. Starting from the Rangpur peasant rebellion, the sacrifice of the peasant son Abu Sayeed has inspired us in the movement. We keep the history of the struggle of the oppressed peasants in mind," he said.
 
He said this in the closing speech of the first day's July walkathon on the occasion of the anniversary of the 'July Mass Uprising' at the DC intersection in Rangpur city at 9 pm on Tuesday.
 
Nahid Islam said the streets of Rangpur trembled with the slogans of the National Citizen Party. 
 
"We want to go to the alleys of the country like Rangpur. We want to tell our dreams. We want to hear people's words. We will return to Dhaka now and materialize the July Declaration and Charter, InshaAllah," he said.
 
Nahid Islam said the spark of the July movement started from Rangpur. 
 
"Abu Sayeed, a brilliant student from Begum Rokeya University, himself encouraged us by sacrificing his life to give our lives against the fascist regime. We have cherished the inspiration of giving our lives for ages," he said.
 
He said, "We have started the journey to rebuild the country. The student community of Rangpur will play an important role in building the country. The activities of the student community of Rangpur will inspire the student community of the whole country."
 
"We have to remain united. The message of the July walkathon must be spread to every corner of the country. Everyone should unite and join the walkathon to build the country. Victory will be assured to us," he said. 
 
Nahid Islam said that July was not just a movement for the overthrow of the fascist regime, but it was a movement for a new political settlement.
 
"So, we will achieve the July Declaration and Charter. The July walkathon is not just a programme, it is a necessary initiative for nation building. We will talk to the people through this programme," he said.

Nahid Islam, "During the month-long walkathon, we will highlight martyred Abu Sayeed's dream, the dream of July Uprising. We are once again firmly committed to these three demands: justice, reform and a new constitution."
 
"A new political settlement must be established through a new constitution. So, the July Charter is not just a demand, it is a commitment. We will go to every corner of the country and encourage the people to stand up. This journey will not stop," he said
 
He said, "We have announced the July walkathon and it has started from today. We have brought down the autocratic fascist regime. We have sought the abolition of its system. But we need to work with that enthusiasm to build the nation."
 
"Our July walkathon is basically for nation building, through which we will go to 64 districts and talk to the people. We will listen to them. We will raise the dreams and aspirations for which Abu Sayeed gave his life," Nahid Islam said. 
 
The NCP started the nationwide walkathon by visiting the grave of martyred Abu Sayeed in Babanpur village under Pirganj upazila of Rangpur at 10:30 am today. 
 
The central leaders of the NCP went to Babanpur village to pay tribute to martyred Abu Sayeed on the anniversary of the July Uprising. Later, they visited the grave of Abu Sayeed. 
 
After visiting the grave, they spoke to the family members of martyred Abu Sayeed and inquired about their whereabouts. 
 
At this time, the central leaders of the NCP sought blessings from the mother of martyred Abu Sayeed. Abu Sayeed's mother Monwara Begum patted the head and prayed for Nahid Islam, the one-point demand announcer of the July Uprising. 
 
At this time, Abu Sayeed's mother Monwara Begum and father Md Maqbul Hossain were in tears. 
 
In such a heartbreaking atmosphere, Nahid Islam and the rest of the NCP leaders could not hold back their tears either. They consoled Abu Sayeed's family. 
 
Later, as part of the announced programme titled 'Desh Garte July Padayatra' ('July Walkathon for Building the Nation'), the NCP leaders left for Gaibandha.
 
Meanwhile, in Rangpur, the July walkathon began at 6:30 pm at the Shaheed Abu Sayeed Square in front of Begum Rokeya University Gate in the Park intersection of the city. 
 
The walkathon passed through Lalbagh, Shapla Chattar, Jahaj Company intersection, Town Hall and Kachari Bazar in Rangpur City and ended at the DC intersection with a closing street rally at night. 
 
NCP member-secretary Akhtar Hossen, northern region chief organizer Md Sarjis Alam and southern region chief organizer Hasnat Abdullah spoke at the closing rally tonight.
 
NCP chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari, senior joint coordinator Abdul Hannan Masud, senior joint member-secretary Dr Tasnim Zara, Rangpur metropolitan chief coordinator Sadia Farzana Dina, district chief coordinator Asadullah Al Ghalib, NCP leaders Alamgir Nayan, Shanti Quaderi, Rustam Ali and other central and local leaders were present.