“We will bring those who committed mass killing to justice. On this very soil of Bengal, we will ensure justice for the killings of our brothers—shot by Sheikh Hasina, the Awami League, and the police. Justice and reform must come before elections. They say justice will take time, but the process must begin. Justice must be visible. And no matter which government comes to power, this justice cannot be interfered with,” Nahid said while speaking at a discussion with the families of the martyrs of the July uprising at the Parjatan Motel in Bogra, reports Bangla Tribune.

Addressing the families of the July uprising martyrs, Nahid said: “We know the loss your families have suffered cannot be compensated, no matter what the world offers. Your family members became martyrs for the country. They were martyred for the liberation of the people, for the sake of freedom.

“Pharaohs never remained in power forever. Tyrants always fall—sooner or later. This time too, the fall of that Pharaoh has come. Now we want to build a country for which the martyrs sacrificed their lives, a free nation without autocracy. For that, we will have to continue our struggle.”

He continued: “We want to stand by your side. Over the past year, a lot has happened in the country. Perhaps we could not fulfill our responsibilities towards you as we should have. We should have reached out to you much earlier. We couldn’t, and for that, we apologize. I promise you today, this bond with you is for life. We will try our best to stand beside you with whatever resources we have.”

The NCP convenor further said: “The government must ensure the political, social, and economic security of these martyr families. Not just this government—any government that comes to power must do this. That’s why we are calling for the July Declaration. The July Declaration will include mention of the martyrs and their families, and it will be incorporated into the constitution. It will also outline what reforms Bangladesh needs. We are marching across the country with these two demands. Please pray for us.”