Opposition Chief Whip in Parliament and National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Tuesday said that citizens would be compelled to take responsibility for protecting the country’s borders if the government fails to ensure adequate national security.
He made the remarks while speaking at a discussion and documentary screening titled “Shapla Massacre: A Decade of Impunity”, organised by the National Ulama Alliance at the Institution of Diploma Engineers in Kakrail, Dhaka.
Referring to the current situation along the frontiers, Nahid said incidents of killings and the erection of barbed-wire fencing were being witnessed again. He argued that sustainable friendship between neighbouring countries is not possible when borders are hardened through fencing and violence against civilians.
He expressed the view that meaningful bilateral relations require trust and mutual respect rather than physical barriers such as barbed wire. He also voiced hope that people across the border would eventually work toward removing such barriers to improve relations.
The NCP leader stressed that safeguarding borders and ensuring fair access to transboundary river waters are core responsibilities of the state. He also reiterated that national sovereignty and dignity must remain central to Bangladesh’s political direction.
Speaking about the July Uprising, Nahid said it reflected a collective aspiration for an independent and sovereign Bangladesh free from external dominance.
He also raised concerns about alleged repression of minorities in neighbouring regions and warned against propaganda that could misrepresent communal relations in Bangladesh.
Referring to historical incidents, he discussed the Shapla Chattar episode and called for accountability over past state actions, including alleged extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.
Nahid further criticised political parties and media narratives during earlier protests, urging stronger democratic safeguards and an end to exclusionary governance practices.
