Govt betraying July Uprising, constitutional reform must follow referendum mandate: Nahid
Nahid says the people of Bangladesh demanded not cosmetic reform, but structural transformation
National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam today (9 May) accused the government of betraying the aspirations of the 2024 July Uprising, demanding immediate implementation of constitutional reforms endorsed by the people through a referendum.
Speaking as the chief guest at a dialogue titled 'Reform Deadlock: Way Forward,' organised by the NCP Reform Committee at a city hotel, Nahid said the revolution was a historic rejection of authoritarianism that called for structural transformation, not cosmetic change.
"The 2024 revolution was a historic rejection of authoritarianism. The people of Bangladesh demanded not cosmetic reform, but structural transformation," he said.
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Referring to the referendum on the July Charter and 48 reform proposals, he said the people overwhelmingly approved both the reforms and the formation of a Constitutional Reform Council mandated to implement them within 180 working days.
Nahid, who also serves as Opposition Chief Whip in parliament, levelled sharp criticism at the BNP-led government, alleging it had reneged on pre-election commitments.
"Before the election, BNP leaders, including the current Prime Minister, publicly supported the referendum framework. Yet after assuming office, the government refused to form the Constitutional Reform Council," Nahid added.
He further alleged that the government repealed key reform ordinances covering judicial independence, anti-corruption measures, police accountability and enforced disappearances, while simultaneously expanding executive authority through new legislation.
Reaffirming NCP's stance, Nahid said the party remains committed to pursuing democratic and institutional reforms both inside parliament and beyond it. "The struggle for a democratic state based on justice, accountability, pluralism and institutional reforms continues."
Diplomats, representatives of international organisations, civil society members and human rights activists attended the dialogue.
NCP Reform Implementation Committee Deputy Chief Sarwar Tushar, Joint Member Secretary Alauddin Mohammad and Nusrat Tabassum also addressed the session. Central leaders Javed Rasin, Mahmuda Mitu and Faridul Hoque were among those present.
