National Citizen Party unveiled with pledge for second republic, fresh constitution

Highlights 

• NCP pledges ethnic, social, gender, religious, cultural diversity
• Emphasises self-sufficient, equitable, environmentally responsible economy
• Aims for a political culture prioritising unity, justice, meritocracy
• Focus on eliminating corruption, nepotism, private sector syndicates
• Criticises of 1972 Constitution's failure to protect citizens from AL government
• Envisions youth-driven, democratic Bangladesh free from extortion, corruption

​​​​​​A new political force has emerged in Bangladesh with the launch of the National Citizen Party (NCP), with its leaders calling for a Constituent Assembly election, aiming to draft a new constitution that will form the foundation of a second republic. 

The party was introduced at a formal event today (28 February) at Manik Mia Avenue near the Jatiya Sangsad in Dhaka, promising structural reforms and an alternative political discourse.  

At the unveiling ceremony, NCP leaders committed to a new constitutional framework to address the country's long-standing governance challenges, describing the current political structure as "outdated and inadequate" for a modern Bangladesh.

While reading the party's declaration, Nahid Islam, convener of the NCP, said the dream of building a second republic in Bangladesh is no longer an elusive one.

"Now is the time to dream of a new future and stand united to build the Bangladesh we desire. We must move forward with unwavering determination in our fight to establish the second republic," he said.

Mim Akter, sister of July martyr Ismail Hossain Rabbi, announced the party's name during the event. She also announced the name of Nahid Islam, a key coordinator of Students Against Discrimination (SAD) and a former adviser of the interim government, as the convener of the NCP and Akhtar Hossain as the member secretary.

Later, Akhtar formally introduced the key NCP leaders and their roles within the party's convening committee. A press release was issued naming 151 committee members. 

However, the party's symbol and constitution were not disclosed at the event.

A sea of people from all walks of life, including leaders from political parties and diplomats, gathered at the event from various districts across the country, marking the end of months of speculation about the party's launch.  

Though the event was scheduled for 3pm, it began at 4:22pm, starting with recitations from the Holy Quran, Gita, Tripitaka, and Bible. The national anthem was sung, followed by a one-minute silence in honor of those martyred during the July uprising.  

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie arrived at 4:58pm to attend the event. Earlier, leaders from Jamaat-e-Islami, Khelafat Majlis, Hefazat-e-Islam, Islami Oikya Jote, Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh, Liberal Democratic Party, Ganosamhati Andolan, Nagorik Oikya, and several other parties also attended.

Self-sufficient, equitable, responsible economy

In his speech, Nahid Islam said the July uprising marked the beginning of the struggle to establish the second republic. 

"By drafting a new democratic constitution, we aim to eliminate any possibility of reinstating constitutional autocracy. Holding an elected Constituent Assembly to frame a new constitution is one of our primary objectives," he said. 

He added that the voices of marginalised communities will be amplified in the second republic. "Power will rest entirely in the hands of the people, ensuring the protection of "democratic and fundamental rights."

He outlined a vision for a society that embraces diversity - ethnic, social, gender, religious, and cultural - while ensuring equal protection and security for all citizens. 

"No one will be excluded from state protection," Nahid assured, stressing that equality and security would be guaranteed for every individual.

The NCP leader also spoke about the importance of a robust national defense system and the rebuilding of political, social, economic, and cultural institutions, all while maintaining a "strong commitment to democracy". 

"We strive for a political culture based on unity, justice, and meritocracy, free from corruption and nepotism," he asserted.

On economic policy, Nahid highlighted the NCP's commitment to creating a "self-sufficient, equitable, and environmentally responsible" economy by integrating agriculture, services, and production sectors. 

The core principle of this approach will be "fair wealth distribution", ensuring that resources are not concentrated in the hands of a few. To protect the public and consumer interests, he promised strong actions against "private sector syndicates" and vested interests.

He also declared that Bangladesh will remain united, and there would be no place for "pro-India or pro-Pakistan" politics, signaling a clear departure from divisive political practices.

Constituent Assembly election

At the event, NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain demanded a Constituent Assembly election on behalf of the party.

Announcing more than twenty names for the three posts of joint convener, joint member secretary, and joint chief organiser, Akhtar said, "This is a partial committee, the full committee will be announced through a press release."

He also said, "The future Bangladesh will be governed by a new constitution, for this reason, I am demanding the election of the Constituent Assembly on behalf of the new party."

All parties must unite

All parties must unite to realise the dream that the people have had after 5 August, said Sarjis Alam, chief coordinator (South Region) of the NPC.

"Only then will the Bangladesh of the future be an unstoppable Bangladesh," he added.

"The trial of the murderer Hasina must be done. If we work by forgetting our petty interests, we will move forward. Please, let us not consider anyone as an opponent. Let us all learn from the murderer Hasina. Only then will our desired Bangladesh be possible," he also said.

Sarjis also called on government employees not to take bribes from the public. "None of us should go to the police or court with any recommendations for any criminal."

People will decide

Hasnat Abdullah, NPC's chief organiser for the northern region, said, "The hard-working people of this land will decide who goes to parliament. We have failed to develop the nation and establish an independent judiciary, a functional police force, and an efficient bureaucracy. We want to commit to building functional institutions and not engaging in divisive politics."

He further said, "We will build a better Bangladesh by combining the wisdom of the elderly with the passionate spirit of the youth. It will be a country where freedom of expression and the right to dissent exist, a country where the sons of blacksmiths and potters can become leaders."

What others said

Nasiruddin Patwari, chief coordinator of the NCP, said the 1972 Constitution failed to protect the people from Hasina's rule. "For 15 years, speaking about democracy meant facing murder, exile, and enforced disappearance."

He described state institutions as dysfunctional and said, "For this reason, the platform for announcing the party has been prepared in advance by forming more than 500 committees of the Nagorik Committee."

Samanta Sharmeen, senior joint convener, said Bangladesh needs restructuring, as no party truly represents the people. She asserted that the NCP would be the "voice of the working class and those fighting corruption".  

Tasnim Jara, senior joint member secretary, said the NCP's goal is to "return power to the people", not seize it. She promised reforms in "education and healthcare" to ensure accessibility for all.  

Abdul Hannan Masud, joint chief coordinator, envisioned a "youth-driven, democratic Bangladesh, free from extortion, election violence, and corruption".