National Citizen Party Convener Nahid Islam yesterday said that elections aimed solely at installing a particular party in power, without necessary reforms and justice for the victims of the July uprising, will be "unacceptable".

Speaking after paying tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War, Nahid said some were yet to grasp the significance of the 2024 mass uprising and the people's victory.

He said the events of 1971 and 2024 were interconnected, and the spirit of the Liberation War was revived through last year's movement. He accused certain groups of attempting to create a contradiction between the two with "dishonest intentions".

"We believe '71 and '24 are not separate. The promise of equality in '71 remained unfulfilled, allowing a fascist regime to rule Bangladesh for 15 years. In '24, we advocated for the same egalitarian society," Nahid said in response to BNP leader Mirza Abbas's remark that the July uprising should not be called "second independence" in a sovereign Bangladesh.

Highlighting the NCP's demand for justice, reform, and an election for a constituent assembly, the party chief said, "We believe that the nation can progress towards democracy only if we follow this path."

He criticised efforts to cling to outdated systems and warned against manipulating elections to remain in power.

"Through the '24 uprising, the '71 Liberation War, and the independence movement of '47, we have created a historic opportunity for a free, sovereign, and dignified state. We must not destroy these possibilities for the sake of power," he said.

The fight for independence, democracy, and justice had been a continuous struggle, he said, expressing hope that the people's struggle would soon bear fruit.

He also condemned attempts to rehabilitate fascist forces, vowing that the Citizen Party would resist such efforts and rebuild a democratic state where justice prevails, and no more bloodshed is needed.

NCP's Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary and other top leaders were also present at the event.