Expats must be given voting rights in local elections too: Nahid Islam

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam has said expatriate Bangladeshis must be given voting rights in local elections as well, just as they are in national elections.

He made the remarks virtually while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion meeting titled “Remembering July Heroes,” organized by the France chapter of the NCP Diaspora Alliance on Thursday.

Addressing the event as the chief guest, lawmaker Nahid Islam said, “The current government has rejected the verdict of the referendum. As a result, a crisis of public trust has developed in them.”

He said, “The government is afraid of expatriates because a large number of them voted for the 11-party alliance. We are demanding voting rights for expatriates in local elections as a continuation of their voting rights in national elections.”

Nahid Islam said the goal of rebuilding the nation has yet to be achieved. He said, “People had big dreams in July. Changing the government was not the only objective. July will not be successful without changing our political and economic structures.”

He said, “The economy is once again being handed over to certain individuals and groups as a continuation of the fascist era. The fascist system needs to be abolished.”

The event was chaired by Chowdhury Mohammad Iftesham, convener of the France chapter of the NCP Diaspora Alliance. Member Towhida Begum moderated the event. Acting Member Secretary Kawsar Ahmed delivered the welcome address.