National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam has asserted that establishing a new Bangladesh is unattainable under the existing constitution and governance framework.
He emphasised that beyond a mere change of government, a comprehensive transformation of the state structure and constitution is imperative to ensure true democracy, justice, and equality.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday (4 March) at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar, where he paid tribute to the fallen heroes of the Liberation War, Nahid underscored the necessity of structural reforms.
Accompanied by party leaders and activists, he laid floral wreaths in honour of the martyrs and observed a moment of silence.
Reflecting on the nation’s history, Nahid Islam stated, “Our people have a long tradition of struggle, from the independence movement of 1947 to the Liberation War of 1971 and the mass uprising of students and citizens in 2024. We seek to uphold the aspirations of these struggles by forging a new Bangladesh. This is the vision driving the NCP.”
He criticised the failures of past administrations, saying, “Despite attaining sovereignty through the great Liberation War, our democratic institutions have crumbled, and our sovereignty has repeatedly come under threat. The constitution, instead of fostering democracy, was manipulated to entrench autocratic rule. Fascism and one-party despotism were embedded within its framework.”
Asserting the need for a new republic, he said, “We have long advocated for a fresh constitutional framework and the election of a constituent assembly. Without this, the aspirations of the people cannot be fulfilled. Our goal is to build a truly democratic constitution.”
Nahid further stressed that the democratic transition must not be prolonged indefinitely.
“We must ensure that the mass uprising of 2024 does not go in vain. The well-being of the people and the realisation of genuine democracy cannot be achieved solely through a change in government; it necessitates a complete restructuring of the governance system and constitution,” he stated.
Addressing the July uprising, Nahid Islam called for swift justice for those responsible for the massacre, urging the interim government to expedite judicial proceedings.
“We made a promise that those complicit in these atrocities and the oppression of the past 15 years will face justice on the soil of this country. The people demand accountability, and we expect the interim administration to facilitate this swiftly.”
He also emphasised the need for national consensus in carrying out reforms.
“The commission overseeing national unity must engage in dialogue without delay, ensuring the implementation of the July Charter and the July Declaration,” he added.
Earlier, NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain reaffirmed the party’s commitment to centrist politics, advocating for an approach that transcends conventional left-right divides.
Senior Joint Conveners Samanta Sarmin and Ariful Abid, Senior Joint Member Secretaries Tasnim Zara and Nahida Niva, Chief Organiser (North) Sarjis Alam, Chief Organiser (South) Hasnat Abdullah, and Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari were also present at the event, along with other party leaders and activists.
