NCP convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam addressed an iftar gathering as the chief guest at the district outer stadium in Khulna this afternoon. Photo: BSS

KHULNA, Mar 9, 2026 (BSS) - National Citizens Party (NCP) convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam today said the legitimacy of the interim government originates from the 2024 July mass uprising and the July National Charter.

"The legitimacy of the interim government lies in the July mass uprising and the July mandate reflected in the July National Charter. This is something that an elected government must not forget and none of us should forget either," he said.

The NCP convener made the remarks while addressing an iftar gathering as the chief guest at the district outer stadium in Khulna this afternoon.

NCP local unit hosted the iftar programme to mark the party's first founding anniversary.

Nahid Islam said refraining from forming a reform council and avoiding taking oath by citing the old constitution in parliament would raise questions regarding the July uprising, the election and even the interim government.

"Such actions would amount to betrayal of the sacrifices and blood of thousands who embraced martyrdom during the July mass uprising," he added.

The NCP chief further said that various political forces had stood united on the streets during the July uprising.

"Just as we are united today at this iftar gathering, we must also remain united to implement all directives of the interim government and the July mandate. We will move forward to build a new Bangladesh," he said, urging all to stay united to implement reforms.

Among others, Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari, Chief Organiser (Southern Region) Hasnat Abdullah, Joint Member Secretary and Khulna divisional organising secretary Faridul Haque, Convener of Jatiya Juba Shakti Tarikul Islam and President of Jatiya Chhatra Shakti Zahid Ahsan addressed the function as special guests.

Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Mia Golam Parwar, city administrator Nazrul Islam Manju, Khulna city BNP president Shafiqul Alam Mona and general secretary Shafiqul Alam Tuhin and Nayeb-e-Ameer of Khelafat Majlish Sakhawat Hossain, among others, were present.

Speakers at the discussion meeting held before iftar warned that they would take to the streets again if a reform council is not formed.

They said if the reform council is not formed and initiatives to implement reforms are not taken during the parliament session scheduled for March 12, they would launch fresh movements to protect the rights of those who voted 'yes'.

The NCP leaders also called for building a movement against terrorism, extortion and land grabbing.