In a significant move to honour the fallen heroes of the July Movement, Mohammadpur is set to rename 20 roads and intersections after martyrs who lost their lives in the struggle for democracy.
This announcement came during a prayer and iftar gathering organised by the Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) on Saturday, March 15, at Suchona Community Centre in the capital’s Mohammadpur. The event was attended by martyrs' families, injured July fighters, Islamic scholars, political figures, civil society representatives, and local dignitaries.
Speaking as the chief guest, Nasiruddin Patwari, chief coordinator of NCP, emphasised that Bangladesh now has a rare opportunity for political and institutional reform after 53 years.
He called for an interim government-led reform commission to restore collapsed state institutions and hold the ruling party accountable for its alleged crimes. Patwari urged the nation to rise beyond muscle power politics, ensuring that no anti-Islamic activities take root.
Highlighting the 50% youth population of Bangladesh, he stressed the need to integrate young people into employment, business, and politics, while also advocating for greater women’s participation in governance.
The event provided a platform for grieving families to share their pain and demand accountability. Shaheen Mia, a wounded July Movement fighter, expressed his frustration: "We risked our lives in the streets. No mother should lose her child to politics. Why do murder, robbery, and rape still exist in Bangladesh? Just as we stood united in the July Revolution, let’s unite again to fight for people’s rights."
The mother of Shaheed Sani tearfully recounted her loss: "It pains me to call my son a martyr. Last year, he had Iftar with me; today, he is gone. Three days after he was shot by the police, we found his body at Suhrawardy Udyan. There has been no justice for the martyrs in this country."
The father of Shaheed Rakib Hasan, a Class 7 student brutally killed on July 19, condemned the violence: "My son's head was blown apart by the Awami League’s armed wing near Mohammadpur Club. We demand justice and protection for ordinary citizens."
NCP Joint Member Secretary Akram Hossain declared that Mohammadpur, often labelled a “crime zone”, will be transformed into a model of safety.
The party’s plan includes:
Renaming 20 roads and intersections after July Martyrs to preserve their legacy.
Rehabilitating the Bihari community, ensuring their rights and integration.
Cracking down on Awami League-affiliated criminals who still operate in the area.
A friend of Shaheed Mahmudur Rahman Saikat demanded: "Noor Jahan Road should be renamed after Shaheed Saikat, so future generations remember his sacrifice."
NCP Joint Chief Coordinator Ataullah stated that the party’s movement is centred on one goal: reform. He criticised the ruling party’s history of suppressing opposition, even in religious gatherings.
"The youth demand a new electoral system. The existing constitution has legitimised token elections in 2014, 2018, and 2024—it must be abolished. We urge the youth to take to the streets under the NCP banner."
Joint Convener Sorwar Tushar cited international scrutiny, stating, "The UN Secretary-General is currently in Bangladesh, and the UN Human Rights Report has identified Sheikh Hasina as a war criminal. NCP will ensure justice against all Awami League criminals, including Sheikh Hasina and Obaidul Quader."
The NCP’s Iftar gathering evolved into a political mobilisation event, with passionate calls for justice, governance reforms, and national restructuring. As Mohammadpur prepares to rename its roads in honour of the July Martyrs, the broader question remains: Will this momentum drive the systemic change that the people demand?
NRE/ST
