We are July traders, not July extortionists: Patwari

National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari on Wednesday said his party had no objection to being labelled ‘July traders’, but rejected allegations that it engaged in extortion.

"Yes, we are July traders, but we are not July extortionists," he said while addressing a roadside rally organised by the Bogura district unit of the NCP in front of the July Memorial at Zero Point, Satmatha, in Bogura town.

Referring to the country's business climate, Patwari alleged that extortion had persisted despite the political transition following the fall of the Awami League government.

"For the past 17 years, businessmen have struggled to operate. Sheikh Hasina's goon squads, Jubo League and Chhatra League did not allow them to do business peacefully. They joined the July movement hoping that in a new Bangladesh they would no longer have to pay extortion," he said.

"But after August 5, I have seen that the BNP leaders whom we helped rescue have become even more oppressive than during Sheikh Hasina's rule. If businessmen previously had to pay Tk100 in extortion, now they are forced to pay Tk200. Is this the new Bangladesh we fought for?" he asked.

Patwari said the NCP would continue to identify itself with the July movement despite criticism from its political rivals.

"When we took to the streets demanding justice for martyred Osman Hadi, they called us 'Hadi traders' and 'July traders'. Yes, we are Hadi traders and July traders. But we are not extortionists. We do not promote gangsterism or terrorism," he said.

Expressing solidarity with students protesting over the HSC examinations, the NCP leader condemned the reported use of force against demonstrators. "I want to tell the HSC examinees not to be afraid. Students have been attacked, kicked with boots and grabbed by the collar," he said.

Warning against what he described as intimidation of young protesters, Patwari added, "When these students enter universities tomorrow, they will say they do not want the BNP. What will you do then? So I urge you not to speak recklessly to these students. Otherwise, they will pack you off to London."