National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam has pledged to bring an end to what he described as the entrenched system of extortion and corruption in the country.

Speaking at a street rally in Bagerhat’s Rail Road area on Saturday night, as part of the party’s “July for Nation-Building” campaign, Nahid Islam criticized the prevailing political structure and called for systemic reform.

“We do not speak against any specific party; we speak against the old arrangements,” he said. “Those who want to preserve a mafia system and protect extortion rackets will no longer be accepted by people.”

Addressing the crowd on the 12th day of NCP’s ongoing nationwide march, Islam emphasized the demands of a politically aware younger generation. “This new generation does not believe in electoral power-sharing deals. We have called for the reconstruction and reform of the state. The door is open to all who want to be part of this transformation,” he added.

Warning those clinging to the status quo, he said, “If you refuse to come forward for reform and continue to defend the old system; one sustained by extortion, mafia control and corruption, people will rise against you. Look at how students are once again taking to the streets across universities.”

Islam also referenced past mobilizations, “We launched a mass uprising against this corrupt, exploitative system, but the work remains unfinished. That is why we are back on the streets. We ask people to place their trust in us. We are committed to changing this system of extortion and corruption; this is our promise to the martyrs. The July Charter must be implemented and it must be done by July or August.”

Directing remarks at police administration, Islam urged law enforcement to align with the public interest. “The police must stand with people, not with extortionists. If they continue to act like partisan agents, they should remember the fate of those who supported fascism in the past; their end will be no different.”

Other NCP leaders also addressed the gathering, including Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, Senior Joint Member Secretary Dr. Tasnim Zara, Senior Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari and Senior Joint Convener Ariful Islam Abid.

The event was attended by hundreds of activists and supporters, including regional and central party figures.

Earlier in the day, Nahid Islam and senior NCP leaders met with families of martyrs and the injured in Bagerhat district as part of their outreach during the July Movement.