National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Thursday demanded the resignation, arrest and trial of President Mohammed Shahabuddin, alleging that he had played a role in the killings during the July uprising.

Speaking at a roadside rally at Foujdari intersection in Jamalpur after a party procession, Nahid alleged that President Shahabuddin, whom he described as "an ally of the fascist regime," should not only resign but also be brought under legal proceedings.

He claimed the President had indirectly contributed to the killings of students and protesters during the July mass uprising and therefore should face justice.

Nahid also called for the appointment of "an honest, neutral and widely acceptable person" as the next president following Shahabuddin's resignation.

He said accountability must be ensured for everyone involved in killings and human rights violations if the spirit of the July-August uprising is to be upheld.

"No individual or institution is above the law," he said, urging the authorities to take necessary steps to end the culture of impunity.

Addressing the rally, NCP Northern Region Chief Coordinator Sarjis Alam said that if the referendum is ultimately declared unconstitutional or illegal, a BNP-led government would also be considered illegitimate.

Among others, NCP Joint Member Secretary Lutfor Rahman, National Jubo Shakti Vice-President Hifzur Rahman Bakul, district Member Secretary Dr Mosharraf Hossain and Advocate Shamim Ahmed also spoke at the programme.