On Friday evening (July 25), Nahid Islam, Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), announced that the party will hold a mass gathering at Dhaka’s Central Shaheed Minar on August 3. The goal: to formally demand the ratification of the July Declaration and July Charter.

He made the statement during a post-march rally at the Sylhet Central Shaheed Minar, following a procession that began in Chowhatta and passed through several major city streets.

“We’ve taken to the streets for justice, reform, and a new constitution—one that protects the dignity and rights of every citizen,” said Nahid Islam. “On August 3, we will assemble at the Shaheed Minar to assert our demands. God willing, our voices will be heard from there.”

Speaking about the NCP’s campaign for voting rights for expatriates, Nahid emphasized the vital role of the diaspora: “Our economy thrives on the hard work of our brothers abroad—especially from Sylhet. We want them to have a say in shaping the nation’s policies.”

He praised Sylhet residents for their role in the July movement, calling their participation “an inspiration for the entire country.” He credited Arpita Ehtesham Junaid, a local figure, for strengthening the NCP’s base in the region and declared that Sylhet would become a party stronghold.

Nahid also remembered the 17 people from Sylhet who were killed during the July uprising. “We haven’t forgotten them. We’re here in Sylhet with the pledge of their blood, to build a new Bangladesh.”

Other speakers included NCP Coordinators Nasir Uddin Patwari and Hasnat Abdullah, Central Joint Convener Arpita Das, Sylhet Leader Dr. Ehtesham, and slogan leader Baker from the July Uprising. Central figure Dr. Tasnim Jara and other party members were also present.

The rally was chaired by Khairul Islam Chowdhury, NCP’s chief organizer in Sylhet, and moderated by Northern Regional Coordinator Sarjis Alam.

As part of a national campaign, the July march in Sylhet drew thousands of party members, with streets echoing chants such as:

“Not Delhi, only Dhaka!”,

“Not brokers, we choose the streets!”,

“Not power, people first!”