NCP pledges new constitution, second republic in 24-point manifesto for 'New Bangladesh'
The manifesto also includes disbanding RAB, recognising and seeking justice for the July uprising, along with reforms to democracy and state institutions.
National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam today (3 August) unveiled the party's 24-point manifesto aimed at building a "New Bangladesh" rooted in justice, equality, and democratic reform.
The manifesto, unveiled at NCP's rally in the capital's Central Shaheed Minar this afternoon, includes a pledge to form a new constitution for a "Second Republic".
The manifesto also includes disbanding Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), recognising and seeking justice for the July uprising, along with reforms to democracy and state institutions. Other major priorities include ensuring a fair judiciary and legal system, building a service-oriented and corruption-free administration, creating people-friendly law enforcement agencies and ensuring women's safety, rights and empowerment.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Commitments also cover youth employment, a welfare-based economy, sustainable agriculture, labour rights, diaspora engagement, and climate resilience. Additionally, the document calls for a Bangladesh-centric foreign policy and a comprehensive national defense strategy.
The manifesto further promises grassroots empowerment through village parliaments and stronger local government, along with a free press and a vibrant civil society. It emphasises universal healthcare, education reforms for nation-building, and a revolution in research, innovation, and technology.
'Will disband RAB'
In the manifesto, the NCP pledged to disband the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).
"We will adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward violent crimes. We will disband the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and establish a clear legal framework to prevent intelligence agencies from being used for political purposes or human rights violations," reads the manifesto.
"We want to build a Bangladesh where no law enforcement agency can intimidate or detain ordinary people without a warrant. We will modernise the colonial-era Police Acts of 1861 and 1898. We will establish a structure where the police serve as protectors of human rights and as servants of the citizens."
The party also pledged to form a permanent Police Commission to prevent the political misuse of the police and law enforcement agencies, and to ensure transparency in transfers and postings.
"All police personnel must wear uniforms while on duty, except in cases of specific professional necessity. Every responsible police officer will be brought under the coverage of body cameras to ensure accountability at every step. We will introduce community-based policing and human rights-centered training."
Nahid said, "On this day last year, we declared from this Shaheed Minar the historic one-point demand to abolish the fascist system. This historic one-point demand was not announced on behalf of any individual, party, or organisation. It was declared on behalf of the people of Bangladesh, by the students and masses of the country. The true announcers of the one-point demand are the people of Bangladesh, the uprising student-masses, and our martyred brothers and sisters."
He also said, "Exactly one year ago today, right here at this Shaheed Minar, we pledged to free this country from the grip of autocracy. Because you responded to that call, together we have defeated the fascist regime and reclaimed our authority over the nation.
"Today, once again from this Shaheed Minar, we call upon you — let us unite to turn this historic 24-point plan into reality and build a new Bangladesh that fulfills the dreams of all its citizens through the establishment of our Second Republic."
Speaking at the rally, NCP Chief Organiser (north) Sarjis Alam said, "The Constitution of '72 was the constitution of one party. Its draft was passed in another country. We no longer want this Mujibist constitution to remain in Bangladesh. We have come here to dismantle and end the Mujibist constitution and demand a new one."
Chief Organiser (South) Hasnat Abdullah said, "It has been a year since the July Revolution. For the past year, we have only spoken; now is the time to act."
He also said, "We know NCP activists are being threatened and obstructed in various areas. But remember this: from Rupsha to Patharia, if anyone even looks the wrong way at an NCP worker, we will respond politically. We will not back down in the face of threats or intimidation."
Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain said, "The NCP has called for fundamental reforms in Bangladesh's state structure. Those who have held power under this structure have never been accountable to the people.
"We want a system where every public representative, from the prime minister down to the union member, must answer to the public. We must also protect Bangladesh's institutions from being politicised."
Senior Joint Member Secretary Dr Tasnim Jara said the NCP wants to build a healthcare system where no one is denied treatment due to lack of money.
Addressing the rally, she said their goal is to establish a health system where every citizen's medical records are digitally stored. She emphasised the importance of strengthening primary healthcare.
Dr Tasnim Jara also said that their politics is focused on solving problems. "The economy will be welfare-oriented, ensuring dignified jobs and meaningful employment opportunities for all," she added.
"We will reform the tax structure to eliminate the gap between the rich and the poor."
Senior Joint Chief Coordinator Abdul Hannan Masud said the NCP is not weak and they will fight wholeheartedly for the country and its people.
"Even after a year, I see that our emotional core – the words coordinator, anti-discrimination -- is being targeted and discredited. But I take pride in my identity as a coordinator. Those who try to make it controversial, we will stand up and fight against them," he said.
The NCP begun its rally around 4pm at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka, centring on the announcement of its "Manifesto of New Bangladesh."
NCP Convener Nahid Islam, Chief Coordinator Nasir Uddin Patwary, Senior Joint Member-Secretary Tasnim Jara, Chief Organiser (south) Hasnat Abdullah, Chief Organiser (north) Sarjis Alam, Senior Joint Chief Coordinator Abdul Hannan Masud, Senior Joint Conveners Monira Sharmin and Samantha Sharmin, Joint Member Secretary Akram Hossain joined the rally.
Processions of leaders and activists from various districts, metropolitan and upazila units were seen arriving under banners of NCP, NCP labour wing and the Bangladesh Gonotantrik Chhatra Sangsad.
Many activists were seen carrying party flags, banners and festoons.
A police control room has been set up by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on the grounds of Kazi Motahar Hossain Building at Dhaka University, adjacent to the Shaheed Minar.
Additionally, RAB has established its own control room to ensure comprehensive security at the event.
Regular police, members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit, K-9 (dog squad) and the Dhaka Metropolitan Police's bomb disposal unit have been deployed.
An official stationed at the police control room told The Business Standard that the entire area is under drone surveillance and is being monitored through closed-circuit cameras to ensure security at the NCP rally.
Earlier, speaking to The Business Standard, Mustak Ahmed Shishir, NCP's coordinator and organiser for Dhaka North, said, "Our leaders will address the unfinished goals of the July movement. We expect a turnout of more than one lakh people. From Dhaka North alone, 10,000 to 15,000 of our members are expected to join."
Heavy police presence has been observed at every entry point to the rally venue.
