NCP condemns arson at July martyrs' memorial in Chandpur, demands trial and security

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has strongly condemned and protested the arson attack on the July martyrs' memorial in Chandpur. The party said it was not just an attack on a structure, but a direct attack on the spirit of July, democratic aspirations and the nation's respect for the martyrs.

The statement was issued on Friday (November 6) in a release signed by the party's office secretary, Sadia Farzana Dinar.

The release noted that July martyrs' memorials have also been set on fire and vandalised in various other places in the country before. Similar attacks have been reported in Pirojpur, Barguna, Manikganj, Shariatpur, Narayanganj and Jessore, among other places.

The NCP said the continuing series of such incidents proves that attempts to dishonour the memory and achievements of July have not stopped. The party also believes the absence of effective government action has acted as a catalyst for one incident after another.

The party added that despite repeated incidents, no visible and effective preventive measures or exemplary trials have yet been established before the public by the government. Although investigations and action are promised after each incident, the lack of visible progress in quickly identifying the culprits and bringing them to trial is encouraging such activities further. In the NCP's words, this government inaction is in no way acceptable.

The release said the lack of expected visible progress in the trial of the killings, torture and repression committed during the July mass uprising has also created deep disappointment.

The NCP said both the trial of the attacks on July martyrs' memorials and the trial of the crimes committed during the July mass uprising are the state's political and constitutional responsibility. Building memorials or holding remembrance meetings alone is not enough; ensuring the trial of the culprits is necessary to establish the dignity of the martyrs' sacrifice.

The party demanded the quick identification and arrest of those involved in the Chandpur incident, bringing the real culprits to trial through an impartial investigation, and ensuring the security of all July martyrs' memorials in the country. It also strongly demanded that the government visibly and effectively advance the trial of all crimes committed during the July mass uprising.