Demand for reinstatement of Rangpur mayor: Jatiya Party and NCP face off
Jatiya Party co-chairman and ousted mayor Mostafizur Rahman Mostafa has given a seven-day ultimatum to the interim government demanding the reinstatement of the ousted mayor and councilors of Rangpur City Corporation (RCC).
At a protest rally organized on Wednesday (May 28), he said that if the mayor and councilors are not reinstated within this period, Rangpur will be brought to a standstill with continuous programs after Eid.
Leaders of the Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement have reacted angrily to Mustafa’s statement. They held a counter-protest program at the Rangpur Press Club area around 9 pm on Wednesday (May 28).
NCP leaders shouted slogans against the Jatiya Party, calling it ‘Awami League’s friend’. They announced a strict movement demanding Mustafa’s arrest. The protest march, which started from Rangpur Press Club at around 8:30 pm, proceeded towards Nagar Bhaban and ended at Jahazkompani Mor. NCP and anti-discrimination leaders addressed the short rally held there.
At that time, the protesters were seen chanting slogans like ‘Burn it, burn it, burn it, set fire to the Jatiya Party’s premises’, ‘Slam Mostafa’s two cheeks with shoes’, ‘Break it, crush it, Jatiya Party’s premises’, ‘Wake up, wake up, revolutionaries wake up, students wake up’ etc.
National Citizens’ Committee organizer Alamgir Nayan said, ‘Those who were friends of Awami League are now protesting. I am warning the administration that they must be arrested quickly. Otherwise, strict programs will be given.
Rangpur Metropolitan Convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Imtiaz Ahmed Imti said, “The National Party has been a companion of the Awami League for a long time. They have been fellow travelers in the politics of disappearances and murders. This party has no right to do politics. They must be banned.”
Earlier in the afternoon, former mayor Mostafizur Rahman Mostafa said, “I demand from the chief advisor of the interim government and the local government advisor that the Rasik Parishad should be restored to its previous position within the next seven days. Otherwise, a continuous program will be held from June 12 or 13 after Eid by setting up a stage in front of the main gate of the Nagar Bhaban.”
