[🇧🇩] A New Political Party: National Citizen Party

[Saif]

NCP leader Hannan pledges unity in nation-building after July Uprising

Senior Joint Chief Convenor of the National Citizen Party, or NCP, Abdul Hannan Masud has pledged to rebuild Bangladesh by uniting all political parties, inspired by the youth-led July uprising. Speaking at the party’s launch on Friday afternoon at Dhaka’s Manik Mia Avenue, he said: &l

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

NCP leader Hannan pledges unity in nation-building after July Uprising
bdnews24.com
Published :
Mar 01, 2025 00:09
Updated :
Mar 01, 2025 00:09

Senior Joint Chief Convenor of the National Citizen Party, or NCP, Abdul Hannan Masud has pledged to rebuild Bangladesh by uniting all political parties, inspired by the youth-led July uprising.

Speaking at the party’s launch on Friday afternoon at Dhaka’s Manik Mia Avenue, he said: “The Bangladesh of tomorrow will be a democratic Bangladesh.”

The Anti-discrimination Student Movement led a mass protest against the Awami League government, ending its uninterrupted 15-year rule on Aug 5, 2024.

Following allegations of election rigging, human rights violations, corruption, and money laundering, the Awami League government was ousted.

The Anti-discrimination Student Movement then formed a political party, promising a "new political settlement”.

At the launch of NCP, former coordinator of the movement Hannan Masud vowed to build a new Bangladesh.

“The youth will not allow any more loss of lives due to political clashes before elections. In the future, Bangladesh will be a place for all political parties and ideologies to coexist,” said Masud.

He assured the people, “We promise you that the Bangladesh of tomorrow will be a democracy. Under the leadership of the youth, we will establish a country free from extortionists and land grabbers.”

Referring to historical betrayals since the Liberation War, Masud said: “The hundreds of thousands of students and people standing before me are witnesses to the post-uprising history being written today. It is the youth who led the July Uprising that are making this history.”

Hasnat Abdullah, NCP’s chief organiser (south region), emphasised overcoming divisive politics and ushering in “politics of unity”.

Speaking at the same event, he said: “Family rule has been buried in this country. The son of a blacksmith can be the prime minister; the son of a potter can be the prime minister. Leadership in this country will rise based on merit.”

“We want to build a beautiful Bangladesh where there will be no discrimination,” he said.

Hasnat, also a key figure in the Anti-discrimination Student Movement, said: “After 15 years of Awami ‘barbarism’, we have liberated the parliament from ‘fascism’. Today, we stand at Manik Mia Avenue on our way to that very parliament.”

He criticised past political decisions, saying: “From the Logi-Boitha (boat-hook and oar) violence to the 2009 massacre of the BDR, the ‘defence of the first line,’ under Indian aggression, you have witnessed it all.”

“The clear case of the BDR killings was falsely framed as a BDR Mutiny. You also witnessed the ‘genocide’ carried out under the cover of darkness against our bearded, cap-wearing brothers at Shapla Chattar.”

He also said, “You have seen how the system of rigging elections at night before polling day was introduced and how ‘dummy’ elections were held.”

“We buried the ‘tyranny’ of the Awami League on Aug 5. We declare that the decision of who enters the parliament will be made by Bangladesh, not India. The hardworking people of this country will decide,” he asserted.

Hasnat criticised governance over the past 15 years, saying: “We failed to build a united nation and allowed divisive politics to persist deliberately. We failed to ensure good governance, an independent police force, and an impartial judiciary.”

“We pledge to establish independent and effective institutions. We will rise above divisive politics and establish unity. We will develop the state,” he concluded.​

 

[Saif]

We want to ensure burial of dynastic politics: Hasnat Abdullah

Hasnat Abdullah on Friday said they want to ensure the burial of dynastic politics in Bangladesh.

en.prothomalo.com

We want to ensure burial of dynastic politics: Hasnat Abdullah
Staff Correspondent
Dhaka
Updated: 01 Mar 2025, 01: 07

Hasnat Abdullah addresses the launching of the youth-led National Citizen Party (Jatiya Nagorik Party) in the capital’s Manik Mia Avenue, Dhaka on 28 February 2025 Photo taken from a video

Hasnat Abdullah on Friday said they want to ensure the burial of dynastic politics in Bangladesh.

He was addressing the launching ceremony of a youth-led National Citizen Party (Jatiya Nagorik Party) in the capital’s Manik Mia Avenue area, in front of the parliament complex in the afternoon.

Hasnat Abdullah, a former coordinator of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement is set to get an important post in the newly floated party.

Several organisers said he will be made chief organiser (southern region) of the party.

Launching the programme of the party started around 4:15 pm today.

The programme started with recitation from the holy Quran by Tarequl Islam, a leader of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement, followed by recitation of Gita, Tripitaka, and Bible by Jatiya Nagorik Committee leaders Arpita Shyama Dev, Abir Barua, and Alik Mri, respectively.

Later, the national anthem was played and all participants stood up to show their respect.

They also observed a minute of silence in remembrance of the martyrs of the July mass uprising, and offered prayers as per respective faiths. The formal speeches began at 4:40 pm.

Later, Hasnat Abdullah addressed the programme.

“We want to ensure, dynastic politics is buried in this country. A blacksmith’s son, a potter’s son would be the prime minister of this country. The leaders will spring up based on their qualifications,” he insisted.

Stating that they will work to build a beautiful Bangladesh, Hasnat Abdullah said, “There will be no differences among us in this country. There will be tolerance to political dissents, freedom of expression, and above all freedom to express a different opinion.”

Expressing that the “state could not be developed” even after all these years of independence, he said, “We could not build a functional bureaucracy, independent police department and judiciary.”

He maintained that no institution has been made properly effective.

Speaking about foreign policy, Hasnat Abdullah said there will be friendship but “no prescription will work”.

“Bangladesh, not India, will determine who will enter the Ganabhaban. The industrious people of Bangladesh determine who will go to parliament,” he added.

This Anti-discrimination Student Movement leader ended his speech with the slogan “Inquilab Zindabad”.​

 

[Saif]

National Citizen Party: The new kids on the political block

The new kids on the political block have a name: the National Citizen Party (NCP)

www.thedailystar.net

National Citizen Party: The new kids on the political block

The emergence of Jatiya Nagorik Party (National Citizen Party) as a political entity promises change. PHOTO: PRABIR DAS

The new kids on the political block have a name: the National Citizen Party (NCP). After some test runs under the banners of Students Against Discrimination and Jatiya Nagorik Committee, the NCP represents "July's People" who ousted an authoritarian regime through a people's uprising. Thus, Generation Z's youthful exuberance translates into political power. However, history tells us that uprisings and revolutions are only the easy part; governing is the real challenge. The interim government includes three (minus one) student leaders who, I am sure, will attest to this truism.

NCP's emergence as a political entity promises change. If guided properly, the party can bring in a reformed democracy, ending years of political stagnation. For a country yet to properly earn the guiding principles of the Liberation War—equality, social justice, and human dignity—even after nearly 54 years of its independence, there is an overwhelming disillusionment with traditional political forces. The societal and cultural fault lines are responsible for occasional tremors. The eruption of July 2024 is symptomatic of a deep-rooted molten anxiety. Reconciliation and national unity are crucial, requiring negotiation of the contested narratives of identity, history, and ideology. Whether the NCP will look for national healing is not clear at this point.

Sarjis Alam, one of the chief organisers of NCP, asserts that their party aims to emphasise "citizenship" that transcends the limitations of being a Bangalee or Bangladeshi. This stated centric position, which they call pro-Bangladeshi, is vague and warrants further elaboration. The party grew out of the rejection of the established culture that conceptualises political loyalty as an allegiance to one of the dynasties that has a male heroic figure at its pivot. The "Bangalee" and "Bangladeshi" discourses are credited to two iconic male figures. Despite being ruled by female leaders, the country has never been able to transcend the legacies of its patriarchs. More than three decades of premiership held by female figures as symbolic heirs have not presented women as transformative figures. Even the head of the interim government, known for his efforts in women's empowerment through microfinancing programmes, has struggled to create a substantial space for women in Bangladesh 2.0.

The composition of NCP is no different. The euphoria of July's achievements has started to wane as the harsh realities of politics have surfaced. The unity of the students is fractured by ideological rifts, political rivalries, and allegations of corruption. The new party has strategically detached itself from its rightist members, but not without suspicion. The common perception is that in the forthcoming national election, they might complement one another.

NCP and its allies came together through their opposition to a common adversary: the fallen regime of Awami League. The absence or shadowy presence of the deposed leadership has made ideological rifts within the orbit of the party both visible and pronounced. Different factions with varied political philosophies are now fighting for influence. For some, radical reforms are the logical consequence of an uprising. Others push for a rather moderate and incremental approach. All eyes will be on the NCP to see if our young ones have the ability to maintain solidarity and navigate the country's complex political landscape as well as the international spheres of influence.

Another challenge for the NCP is its perceived association with the interim government. The established political parties, who have been running the oppositional marathon race for decades, find the NCP as the last runner to finish the race with their baton. The glory for NCP thus overshadows their long-anticipated political comeback. The atmosphere is a breeding ground for suspicion and resentment as former allies are turning into political adversaries.

Some have accused student leaders of monopolising the revolutionary narrative, highlighting their role while slighting the contributions of their peers. This perception is both politically damaging and historically contentious. The apparent, initial exclusion of private university students from the central committee of the recently formed student organisation Bangladesh Gonotantrik Chhatra Sangsad (BGCS) strengthened this perception, leading to scuffles between these students and BGCS supporters at the DU campus on Wednesday. Although later developments somewhat cleared the air, with the disclosure of the full 205-member committee including private university representation, the damage was already done. One hopes that, with time, these young leaders will have the maturity to adopt an inclusive narrative that recognises the contributions of all factions.

The new party will also have to respond to the grapevines that whisper conspiracy. The party will have to come clean about its funding source, especially after allegations about the paid agency of overseas actors or covert operatives of rightist political parties. We need a proper distance from the event to understand whether the revolutionary zeal of NCP was organically homegrown or strategically manufactured. The challenge for NCP is to prove that they are not a beneficiary of political crises or even conspiracies, but a transformative force advocating for the people's mandate.

I don't want to discourage our young revolutionaries. They need time to strike roots and sprout shoots before they bloom and yield fruits. But if the maturity of their fruits is rushed chemically and artificially, their party is unlikely to be acceptable and sustainable in the long run. The party's high moral ground has already been tainted by some allegations of corruption and violence. Some of the accusations are likely political smears, while others seem genuine enough to raise concerns. For credibility's sake, the party must come clean, championing transparency and due diligence, and restore public trust.

Let's not forget: the NCP holds huge potential. Like the student-led movements of 1952, 1966, 1969, 1990, and 2018, the NCP's youthful leadership promises to offer an alternative to the entrenched political dynasties that have controlled our politics for decades. Their idea of anti-discrimination resonates with a generation that is logged onto social media and globalised interfaces. Then again, whether the Gen Z will be patient enough to work closely with other generations is a point to ponder. We already see the impatience and arrogance that have alienated some of the leaders. This is a generation that grew up with fast internet, instant food, instant messaging, and instant access to the information galaxy. They demand quick results and are notoriously unforgiving. They need to learn to deal with others with mutual respect.

To stay relevant, the party's manifesto must prioritise the country's expected demographic dividend. This involves the transformation of youthful energy into economic productivity. We need education reform, vocational training, and digital literacy not only to fulfil their promise of equality and opportunity but also to solidify their support base among the youth.

To become a credible political force, the new party must learn from historical precedents and strategically address ideological rifts, corruption allegations, and political hostilities. Ultimately, the legacy of the new party will be determined by the nation it purports or helps to build, not by the regime it has overthrown. The country awaits a leadership that has integrity, vision, and inclusivity to change the course of Bangladeshi politics. Even if they don't succeed, at least they will have some exciting stories to share with their grandchildren about the time they nearly changed Bangladesh.

Dr Shamsad Mortuza is professor of English at Dhaka University.​

 

[Saif]

A new party with new hope

NCP’s emergence can bring positive change in our political culture

www.thedailystar.net

A new party with new hope
NCP’s emergence can bring positive change in our political culture

We welcome the launch of the National Citizen Party (NCP), led by individuals from the July uprising that toppled the regime of the Awami League in August 2024. The party has been formed at a time when the people of the country are eagerly looking forward to new political leadership, expecting positive change in our political culture. As the leaders of the newly formed party shared their vision for a new Bangladesh, the public's response was overwhelmingly supportive. Students, activists, young professionals, and ordinary citizens from across the country participated in the inauguration ceremony to show their backing.

Nahid Islam, the convener of the NCP, vowed to reshape Bangladesh's political landscape. He declared that the common people will be the supreme source of power in Bangladesh and that their mission is to dismantle constitutional autocracy and establish a robust democratic framework. Nahid also emphasised that the NCP is committed to rebuilding the country's political and economic institutions, combating corruption and nepotism, and prioritising inclusion, equity, and national sovereignty. While these promises are encouraging, the true challenge for the new party will be in staying true to its word.

Over the past few decades, we have witnessed the failure of major political parties to uphold the democratic spirit of the nation. During the 15 years of AL rule, all major institutions were politicised, rendering them inefficient and incapable of performing their duties. The party's failure to ensure democratic practices within itself, coupled with widespread corruption and a lack of transparency and accountability, severely damaged our political culture. As a result, the people of Bangladesh are eager for change. Therefore, if the NCP genuinely seeks to become a people's party, it must first practice democracy within the party itself. It needs to foster an environment where disagreement and debate are welcomed, and everyone's voice is heard. It is encouraging to see that the party has included people with diverse views and beliefs, with three of the top 10 positions in the committee held by women.

Transparency and accountability will be key factors in determining the future of this party. A lack of transparency has long distanced people from mainstream political parties. The NCP must, therefore, ensure transparency in all its activities, especially regarding its finances. Understandably, launching and running a new political party requires substantial funding, and the NCP must make its sources of funding public—both now and in the future—to ensure transparency. As Nahid has affirmed that the NCP will be a truly democratic, egalitarian, and people-centred political force, it must remain accountable to the people.

We hope that the NCP will set a positive example for other political parties to follow. It has emerged directly from the heart of a mass uprising—led by the very youth who spearheaded it. We wish them success in building the inclusive society they have pledged to create.​

 

[Saif]

BNP sees conspiracy in NCP push for second republic

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Saturday raised questions over the demand for a second republic and constituent assembly elections by the National Citizens Party, a new political party formed by the leaders of the...

www.newagebd.net

BNP sees conspiracy in NCP push for second republic
Staff Correspondent 02 March, 2025, 00:13

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Saturday raised questions over the demand for a second republic and constituent assembly elections by the National Citizens Party, a new political party formed by the leaders of the July uprising, and termed the demands a conspiracy to push the state system into a prolonged undemocratic process.

The party standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed made the allegation at a discussion organised by the Nationalist Research Foundation at the Diploma Engineers Institute in Dhaka.

Student and youth leaders of the July-August mass uprising launched the NCP on Friday and announced that the election of a Constituent Assembly and the establishment of a second republic were their goals.

Salahuddin said that there was another intention behind the NCP demands.

Those who are raising the issues either do not understand or are unaware that there is a conspiracy to push our state system into a prolonged undemocratic process, the BNP leader alleged.

‘Has our current republic become sick? What does the term ‘republic’ actually mean? A republic is a state where elected representatives govern and there is either a nominal or an elected head of state. Don’t we already have that?’ Salahuddin wanted to know.

The BNP leader, however, welcomed the beginning of the NCP.

He issued an ultimatum to the chief advisor to announce the roadmap for the national elections within one month.

‘If, for any reason, you fail to present the roadmap within this month, we, the democratic forces, will have no choice but to convene and reassess the course of action within the democratic process,’ Salahuddin said.

BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, addressing the event, said that, despite making many positive statements, he did not find any political philosophy from the National Citizens Party.

Rizvi attended the launching ceremony of the NCP on Manik Mia Avenue in the capital.​

 

[Saif]

National Citizen Party: Transparency, accountability a must

We welcome the new party. Every aspect of the party’s activities, including its financing, must uphold the highest standards of transparency and accountability.

en.prothomalo.com

National Citizen Party: Transparency, accountability a must
Editorial Desk
Published: 02 Mar 2025, 12: 02

Despite the presence of a record number of political parties in Bangladesh, the democratic framework has not been effectively consolidated. One of the primary reasons for this is that political parties have consistently prioritised personal and group interests over national interests. As a result, they have failed to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the people.

In this context, it is essential to evaluate the newly formed National Citizens Party, which was established on Friday. The majority of the individuals leading this party played a prominent role in last year’s July-August mass uprising. The leaders of this new party are all young, with youthful enthusiasm and vitality serving as their principle strengths.

At the inaugural event, the party’s leader pledged to replace divisive politics with a politics of unity. They committed to establishing a Second Republic by drafting a new constitution through a constituent assembly election, as well as rebuilding the collapsed political, social, economic and cultural institutions. The declaration expresses a firm commitment to ensuring democracy, equality, human dignity and social justice through a new ‘political settlement’.

Their statement emphasised that this newfound independence achieved through sacrifice of thousands of martyrs was not merely for replacing one government with another. Rather it is essential to dismantle the fascist system and reconstruct a rights-based state for the people. The declaration also highlights the necessity of replacing dynastic politics with a leadership selection process based on merit and competence, while ensuring the inclusion of marginalised communities in the mainstream of society.

If we look back at history, we will see that in every mass movement and uprising in this country, the youth have played a leading role. In this regard, the Language Movement of 1952 is particularly noteworthy. When the senior leadership took a stance against breaking section 144, it was the students who defied the order, sacrificing their lives to secure the rights to their mother tongue. The youth were also at the forefront of the mass uprising of 1969 and 1990.

However, despite these two uprisings, political power did not remain in the hands of the youth. The leaders of the anti-authoritarian movement in 1990 did not adhere to the framework of the three alliances they had announced. Those who assumed power prioritised personal and group interests rather than serving the nation. The establishment of a fascist system was facilitated by the suppression of people’s voting rights in three elections.

In this political reality, the youth’s call for a new political settlement will undoubtedly inspire hope among the public. While not everyone may fully agree with all the programmes and commitments outlined by the new party, there can be no disagreement with their aspiration to replace division with unity, retribution with justice, uplift marginalised communities and establish leadership based on merit and competence across all levels of society and the state.

We welcome the new party. However, we would also like to remind them that their proposed political settlement will only succeed if they can free themselves from the weakness and flaws of traditional politics. Every aspect of the party’s activities, including its financing, must uphold the highest standards of transparency and accountability.

Likewise, the selection of leadership must follow a democratic process. One of the major weaknesses of our political culture is the tendency to attempt to establish democracy in the country while operating undemocratic parties. We would like to believe that the new party will not follow this path.​

 

[Saif]

Can the NCP succeed in building an inclusive Bangladesh?

The path ahead for the NCP will be fraught with challenges.

www.thedailystar.net

Can the NCP succeed in building an inclusive Bangladesh?

Nahid Islam, convener of the newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP), delivers a speech with top leaders present on stage during the launch of the party on February 28, 2025. PHOTO: AMRAN HOSSAIN

For a nation whose political landscape has been dominated by two major parties for decades, the announcement of the National Citizen Party (NCP)—led by student heroes of the July uprising—marks a watershed moment in Bangladesh's history. The media attention, public turnout, and palpable energy surrounding this launch suggest that this is not just another political outfit destined for obscurity; it could potentially be a third major political force in the country that could fundamentally alter our political trajectory for decades to come.

Indeed, as I watched the celebrations from thousands of kilometres away, the energy was unmistakable. The heroes of what is now being called the "Monsoon Revolution" have captured the imagination of an entire generation—particularly Gen Z and Millennial voters, some of whom will likely cast their ballots for the first time in the upcoming national election.

What struck me most about the launch was its festive, almost celebratory atmosphere—a stark contrast to the typically combative tone of Bangladeshi political gatherings. The welcoming of leaders from diverse political backgrounds (with the deliberate exclusion of Awami League-aligned parties) sent a clear message: this is a new brand of politics that will be more civil and collegial.

Even more significant was the conscious display of religious inclusivity. Recitations from both the Quran and Bhagavad Gita on the same stage represented a powerful symbolic rejection of the identity politics that the Awami League had weaponised during its reign of more than 15 years, and a nostalgic throwback to our childhood years, when every school morning started with the anthem and recitations from multiple religious texts. I would like to believe this was not mere tokenism but a declaration of intent—that Bangladesh's future must be built on unity rather than division, on shared citizenship rather than religious or ethnic fragmentation.

In the weeks leading up to this announcement, the rumour mill had been working overtime. Would this be a fundamentalist wolf in the progressive sheep's clothing? Would the movement fragment along ideological lines? Would women be marginalised in the leadership structure?

The launch effectively dispelled many of these concerns. The inclusion of three prominent women in the top leadership, including Dr Tasnim Jara—a well-respected Oxford-trained health professional and social media influencer—demonstrated a commitment to gender representation that goes beyond mere lip service. The coexistence of leaders from various ideological backgrounds, including Nasiruddin Patwary and Akhter Hossain (who were rumoured to be at loggerheads), suggested an ability to bridge differences in service of a greater cause.

Perhaps most heartening was the philosophical vision articulated by NCP Convener Nahid Islam in his inaugural address. His declaration that "July 2024 marks the beginning of our struggle for a Second Republic" framed the movement not merely as opposition to the previous regime but as a positive project to reimagine the very foundations of our nation.

The concept of a Second Republic carries profound historical weight. In the US, the civil war transformed the nation into what historians often call a "Second American Republic"—one where slavery was abolished, citizenship was redefined, and federal power was expanded. Similarly, France has traversed through five distinct republics, each marking a fundamental reimagining of the state following moments of crisis. Bangladesh now stands at such a crossroads. Fifty-four years after our independence, this call for a Second Republic represents the culmination of decades of unfulfilled promises and institutional degradation. The wheels of history turn slowly; the original republic, born in the blood of 1971, perhaps needed these five decades to completely exhaust its possibilities. The Monsoon Revolution has given us this rare opening—a constitutional moment where the fundamental rules governing our society can be rewritten.

Nahid's emphasis on drafting a new democratic constitution through an elected constituent assembly is, therefore, particularly significant. His rejection of familial dynasties in favour of merit-based leadership represents a direct challenge to the political culture that has dominated Bangladesh since independence. The promise that "corruption and nepotism will have no place in our politics" will resonate deeply with a population that has watched helplessly as the fruits of our economic growth have been concentrated in the hands of political elites and their cronies.

Most heartening was the NCP's commitment to protecting Bangladesh's ethnic, social, gender, religious, and cultural diversity. This stands in stark contrast to movements in other countries, where popular revolutions or uprisings have often been followed by takeovers by fundamentalists.

But let us harbour no illusions. The path ahead for the NCP will be fraught with challenges. They said they wanted to build a country free from discrimination and committed to inclusivity. However, there have been many instances of discrimination against members of minority communities, women, and people from vulnerable groups. In quite a few instances, no one from the students' party or the anti-discrimination students' movement platform spoke out in their support.

The decision by several student leaders to join Prof Muhammad Yunus's interim government has proven to be a strategic miscalculation that now weighs heavily on the NCP. In the seven tumultuous months since July, these student "advisers" have become convenient scapegoats for the interim administration's failures. They now carry the stain of association with an increasingly ineffective interim government that has struggled to deliver on its promises. For the NCP to succeed, it must consciously shed this baggage and establish a distinct identity separate from the interim government's shortcomings. They must candidly acknowledge these missteps—not as failures of character, but as lessons in political strategy.

Any such attempts will inevitably be combated by established political forces. The Awami League—along with its allies—clearly views these student leaders as sworn enemies and will likely deploy every tool in its vast war chest to undermine them. The BNP, which stands to lose the most if this new party gains momentum, may fight tooth and nail for every inch of political space. Local mobilisation in every constituency, requiring networks and on-the-ground foot soldiers so far enjoyed only by the largest parties, will be a huge challenge to overcome. Fundraising to sustain the electoral effort without resorting to the usual cronyism and extortion tactics of old is yet another challenge.

However, internal cohesion may perhaps end up being the greatest single challenge. Politics in Bangladesh has a long history of fragmentation in parties lacking a singular, cult-like leadership figure, such as Sheikh Mujibur Rahman or Ziaur Rahman. The diverse backgrounds and ideologies represented within the NCP could become fault lines under pressure, especially when facing ruling party oppression or attempts to buy loyalty.

Only time will tell whether the NCP can withstand these tests. However, if they can remain faithful to their founding philosophy—fighting for equity and justice, championing the cause of ordinary citizens, practising internal democracy, and maintaining a zero tolerance policy towards corruption—they may well attain political power sooner than many expect. Their stated vision of a Second Republic—one where power truly flows from the people, where institutions serve citizens rather than ruling parties, where economic growth benefits all, and where Bangladesh's rich diversity is celebrated rather than weaponised—should resonate powerfully with a population that has grown weary of false promises from the political establishment.

We stand at a critical juncture in our nation's history. The sacrifices made during the July uprising have created an opening for fundamental change. The NCP's ability to translate this moment into a lasting movement will depend on their moral superiority and political acumen first and foremost, but also on whether the majority of ordinary citizens embrace and sustain their vision of a more just, inclusive, and democratic Bangladesh.

Rubayat Khan is volunteer op-ed editor at Muktipotro.​

 

[Saif]

Scuffle erupts between 2 groups in Bashundhara Residential Area

A scuffle broke out tonight in Bashundhara residential area between associates of Sarjis Alam, a leader of the newly-formed National Citizens Party (NCP), and students from several private universities, who claimed that they were deprived and underappreciated.

www.thedailystar.net

Scuffle erupts between 2 groups in Bashundhara Residential Area

A scuffle broke out tonight in Bashundhara residential area between associates of Sarjis Alam, a leader of the newly-formed National Citizens Party (NCP), and students from several private universities, who claimed that they were deprived and underappreciated.

A student of North South University told The Daily Star that Sarjis visited the area to talk to students from various private universities, including North South University, who felt deprived.

During the discussion, tensions flared, leading to an altercation. Sarjis left the scene, but the confrontation escalated into a physical scuffle between the two groups.

Officer-in-Charge of Vatara Police Station Mazharul Islam confirmed the incident, saying that both groups later went to the police station, each claiming several of their members had been injured.​

 

[Saif]

Nahid aims to finish what July uprising began

Bangladeshi students who overthrew autocratic ex-premier Sheikh Hasina last year have formed a new political party to finish the work that began with her ouster, the group’s leader told AFP.

www.thedailystar.net

Nahid aims to finish what July uprising began

Nahid Islam, head of Bangladesh's National Citizens Party (NCP), speaks to AFP at his residence in Dhaka. Photo: AFP/Munir Uz Zaman

Bangladeshi students who overthrew autocratic ex-premier Sheikh Hasina last year have formed a new political party to finish the work that began with her ouster, the group's leader told AFP.

Nahid Islam, 27, was one of the most visible faces of the youth-led protest campaign Students Against Discrimination, which brought down the curtain on Hasina's iron-fisted rule after 15 years.

The sociology graduate resigned last week from the interim administration that replaced her to lead the new National Citizens Party (NCP), arguing that Bangladesh's political establishment lacked the will for far-reaching reforms.

"They were not even interested in the reforms for which young people sacrificed their lives," Nahid told AFP.

"Because we have an obligation to implement what we pledged during the mass uprising and its aftermath, we decided to form a political party," he said.

More than 800 people were killed in last year's uprising, and Nahid was briefly detained alongside other student leaders in an unsuccessful effort to force them to call off the protests.

After Hasina's toppling, he accepted an invitation to join an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.

Nahid's decision to helm the NCP necessitated his departure from an administration expected to act as a politically neutral umpire while preparing Bangladesh for fresh elections.

Polls are due by March next year and are widely expected to be won by the BNP, one of the major political forces.

Nahid said that even if he and his followers could not form the next government, they had inaugurated a political force set to be influential for decades to come.

"Nobody knew that there would be an uprising, but it happened," he said.

"I sincerely hope and I believe that we are going to win this time. But this election is not the end of the world... Our target is to sustain this energy for another 50 or 100 or more years."

'BELIEVE IN INCLUSIVITY'

The NCP is at loggerheads with its main rival over when the next national election should be staged, with the BNP arguing that fresh polls should be staged as soon as possible to empower a government with a public mandate.

"We are often accused of conspiring to delay the election, but that is not true," Nahid said.

But he added that it was "not possible" to stage an election while the country still faced issues maintaining law and order after Hasina's ouster.

His party are also campaigning for a simultaneous vote to establish a citizens' assembly, to be tasked with root and branch reform of Bangladesh's constitution aimed at ensuring a lasting democracy.

The NCP has sought to position itself as a big tent party, open to all people seeking to bring forward the spirit of last year's political tumult.

But ructions within the party have already spilt over into public view since its founding last month.

A gay rights activist was removed from the party's leadership committee days after it was formed following demands from right-wing groups in the Muslim-majority country.

"We believe in inclusivity, but there are certain boundaries set by religious and cultural norms," Nahid said, adding that the party still had an admirable record on diversity. "We have brought women to the forefront and included representatives from all castes and creeds," he said. "We will strive to ensure that all citizens can enjoy their rights."​

 

[Saif]

NCP demands trial of July killings before elections

Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) on Friday demanded the visible trial proceedings of the July killings and implementation of the July reform charter before holding the national election. “But before going to any election, we have been saying over and over again – we want to see the visible t

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NCP demands trial of July killings before elections
UNB
Published :
Mar 07, 2025 19:09
Updated :
Mar 07, 2025 19:09

Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) on Friday demanded the visible trial proceedings of the July killings and implementation of the July reform charter before holding the national election.

“But before going to any election, we have been saying over and over again – we want to see the visible trial proceedings of killings and implementation of the July Charter of reforms. Then we will have to move towards the election,” said NCP Convener Nahid Islam at a press conference in the city.

Replying to a question, he said it doesn’t seem to him that it is impossible to hold the national election in December. It will depend mainly on political will and political consensus to hold the constituent assembly election and the national election together, he added.

“If we can reach that consensus, then it is actually possible to hold the constituent assembly and national parliament elections together within the desired timeframe,” said Nahid.

The press conference was arranged following the first general meeting of the NCP central committee at Rupayan Tower in the city’s Bangla Motor area.

NCP central leaders including its member secretary Akhter Hossen, chief organiser for the southern region Hasnat Abdullah, chief organiser for the northern region Sarjis Alam and chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary were present.

On Friday last, NCP was officially launched as a new political platform floated by student activists of the July Movement.​