July Uprising aspirations remain unfulfilled: Nahid

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam on Friday said the aspirations of the July uprising remain largely unfulfilled, as the country is yet to achieve the promised reforms and build an inclusive state.

He made the remarks while talking to journalists after visiting an exhibition titled "July Is Not Over Yet" at the official residence of Opposition Leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman at Minto Road in the capital.
Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar welcomed Nahid and other NCP leaders during the visit.

Referring to the ongoing political transition, Nahid said forces associated with authoritarianism, fascism and domination were still conspiring against the spirit of the July uprising.

"The July uprising is truly not over yet. The expectations of July, including state reform and implementation of the people's verdict in favour of 'Yes' in the referendum, have not been fulfilled," he said.
He alleged that the government had failed to implement the referendum verdict and was pursuing partisan practices in different sectors, including local government.

"We are fighting for state reform and we must continue that struggle. An inclusive state has not yet been established," he said.

Nahid also criticised the government over the activities of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in Delhi, alleging that it had failed to take effective diplomatic measures against her.

He further alleged that leaders of student organisations elected to student unions at different campuses were coming under attack, while some members of the administration were failing to maintain neutrality.
"Without structural reforms to the state, any government can eventually turn authoritarian," he said.

Mia Golam Porwar said the country was observing the second anniversary of the July uprising and described the movement as a historic turning point.

He said the struggle to build a discrimination-free Bangladesh must continue and urged all concerned to remain united against any conspiracy or hegemonic influence.

"We must move forward with the struggle and reach our destination," he said.

Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Mawlana ATM Ma'sum, NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, Chief Organiser (Northern Region) Sarjis Alam and other senior leaders of the two parties were present.