Gono Odhikar Parishad President and former DUCSU VP Nurul Haque Nur emphasized that holding elections before restructuring the state will not improve the fate of the people.
He made these remarks as the chief guest at a divisional rally held at the Rangpur Zilla School grounds in Rangpur on Friday.
The event, organized by the Rangpur metropolitan and district units of Gono Odhikar Parishad, aimed to honor the sacrifices of the fallen and wounded in people's movements and to promote a vision of a non-discriminatory Bangladesh.
Nur called for the interim government to oversee a comprehensive state reform, stating that "the new Bangladesh envisioned after public uprisings requires prioritizing both state reform and fair elections."
He argued that without reform, elections would only serve to perpetuate the injustices and oppression seen under successive governments. "We have witnessed various forms of state abuse under all administrations in the past 53 years, from law enforcement brutality to widespread corruption," he stated. He called for a people-centric administration and a commitment to service from those in power.
Addressing the youth, Nur paid tribute to Abu Sayeed, a martyr from Rangpur, and urged young people to continue the struggle for a new Bangladesh. "We must never forget Abu Sayeed’s sacrifice, and institutions should be named in his honor," he urged.
Nur criticized past politicians who used the people's trust for personal gain, creating wealth abroad while neglecting regions like Rangpur. He implored people to reject these deceitful representatives and emphasized the youth's role in building a better future.
Nur also mentioned upcoming local government elections and encouraged grassroots leaders to prepare. He highlighted the Gono Odhikar Parishad's reform proposals, including a proportional representation electoral system, a bicameral parliament, and a four-year term for parliament. "Proportional representation will ensure balanced political power, preventing any government from becoming authoritarian," he said, stressing the need for systemic reforms.
He pointed out that there is no room for fascism or dictatorial forces in the envisioned democratic Bangladesh. Criticizing past collaborators of authoritarian regimes, Nur called for legal action against human rights violators, warning that if authorities fail, the people may take matters into their own hands. "We want to stabilize the government and support law enforcement, but they must act against those responsible for oppression," he said.
Rashed Khan, the General Secretary of Gono Odhikar Parishad, spoke as the keynote speaker and declared that the people of Rangpur have rejected the Jatiya Party, labeling them as collaborators of past fascist regimes. He accused former mayor Mostafizar Rahman Mostafa of corruption and pledged resistance against such figures seeking power in Rangpur.
The rally featured speeches from various leaders, including senior joint secretary Hasan Al Mamun, youth wing president Ershadul Haque, and labor wing president Abdur Rahman. The event was attended by thousands of party members and supporters from across Rangpur and surrounding districts.
Earlier in the day, Nur and other leaders visited the village of Abu Sayeed in Pirganj, paying their respects at his grave and meeting with his family.
