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

[Bilal9]

MEETING WITH ARMY CHIEF: NCP faces unease

A note of internal disquiet has apparently struck the National Citizen Party over a Facebook post by its chief organiser Hasnat Abdullah in which he accused the army of making attempts to rehabilitate Awami League.

www.newagebd.net

MEETING WITH ARMY CHIEF: NCP faces unease
Staff Correspondent 23 March, 2025, 23:48

View attachment 15881

A note of internal disquiet has apparently struck the National Citizen Party over a Facebook post by its chief organiser Hasnat Abdullah in which he accused the army of making attempts to rehabilitate Awami League.

The discord became visible when NCP chief organiser, Sarjis Alam, on Sunday in a detailed post on his Facebook wall publicly disagreed with some of Hasnat’s account of their meeting with the army chief.

Meanwhile, at an event in Sylhet, NCP chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari on Saturday criticised Hasnat’s statement, calling it devoid of etiquette.

Hasnat Abdullah on Friday in a Facebook post alleged that a conspiracy was being hatched to launch a ‘refined Awami League’ behind which India was playing the main role.

The post mentioned that former Jatiya Sangsad speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, former environment minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury and former Dhaka South city mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh would be the face of Awami League in its repatriation.

He said that the proposal was given to him and two others from the cantonment on March 11.

When contacted, the Inter Services Public Relation Directorate declined to comment.

A report by Sweden-based Netra News, however, claimed that the army headquarters responded to Hasnat’s post.

The Netra News report, published on Saturday, quoted the army headquarters as saying that Hasnat Abdullah’s post was ‘nothing but a pure political stunt’.

In his post, Hasnat claimed that when they were presented with the proposal, they immediately opposed it, urging the authorities to abandon any plans to rehabilitate Awami League and instead focus on bringing the party to justice.

‘In response, we were told that if any obstacle was created to prevent Awami League’s return, we would have to take responsibility for the resulting crisis and that “Awami League must come back,”’ he said in the post.

In response to Hasnat, another NCP chief organiser, Sarjis, also turned to the social media and on Facebook wrote that he disagreed on several points with Hasnat’s account.

Sarjis said that he found inappropriate the manner in which Hasnat conveyed the discussion with the army chief on Facebook.

‘As a result, our important discussions with any stakeholders in the future could face a crisis of trust,’ he said.

‘That day, Hasnat and I went to speak with the army chief. I have some disagreement with the way Hasnat from his own perspective interpreted and then conveyed on his Facebook post what the army chief said,’ Sarjis wrote.

Sarjis continued to write that from his perspective, he viewed the army chief’s words not as a direct ‘proposal’ but rather as a ‘clear expression of opinion’.

He said that there was a difference between expressing an ‘opinion’ and making a ‘proposal’, though the army chief had spoken in a much more straightforward manner that day compared with previous conversations.

In his post, Sarjis also stated that regarding the issue of ‘pressure’ for a ‘refined Awami League,’ he did not perceive it as pressure.

Instead, he believed that the army chief was speaking with great confidence about the situation the country might face in the longer term and potential problems that might arise between political parties if a refined Awami League did not emerge.

Hasnat stated in his Facebook post, ‘At one point in the discussion, I said, “how can you forgive a party that has neither apologised nor admitted its crime?” The other party angrily replied, “You people know nothing. You lack wisdom and experience. We have been in this service for at least 40 years. We are older than you.”

‘It’s true that this conversation occurred. I didn’t think that the army chief said this in an angry tone, but rather in the tone and expression of someone relatively senior in age who was conveying the burden of experience to his juniors,’ Sarjis said in his post.

In the comment section underneath Sarjis’ post, NCP senior joint chief coordinator Abdul Hannan Masud commented, ‘I am saying this publicly—one of the two (Sarjis and Hasnat) is lying. This cannot continue.’

He said that despite holding important positions in the party, the way they were having meetings with people at different levels without informing the party and then and making it public without the party’s knowledge was triggering controversy around the NCP.

‘While people are dreaming about the NCP, whose agenda is it to make the NCP controversial?’ Masud questioned.

NCP chief coordinator Nasiruddin said that Hasnat’s statement regarding a meeting at the cantonment should not have been shared on social media.

‘We believe it lacks etiquette,’ he said.

Nasiruddin also said that they had observed various individuals from the cantonment interfering in the political space and emphasised that they did not want such interference.

He said that political decisions should be made by political figures and called on government institutions not to get involved in them.

Sweden-based Netra News, in its report, claimed that the army headquarters admitted that a meeting took place on March 11 with army chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman at the cantonment.

However, the allegations of ‘taking Hasnat Abdullah and proposing or pressuring him on the issue of the rehabilitation of Awami League’ were denied, the report said.

Netra News reported that when they contacted the army headquarters it responded through a spokesperson.

It said that the army headquarters’ statement described Hasnat Abdullah’s post as ‘nothing but a pure political stunt’.

According to Netra News, the army referred to the 27-year-old student leader’s statement as ‘an outright ridiculous and immature collection of stories’.

Asked about the Netra News report claiming army headquarters’ statement, the Inter Services Public Relation Directorate said that it did not give any official statement to Netra News.​

NCP people should speak with one voice instead of posting everything on Facebook.

This is the folly and inexperience of youth. Not everything needs to be on Facebook.

 

[Saif]

MEETING WITH ARMY CHIEF: NCP faces unease

A note of internal disquiet has apparently struck the National Citizen Party over a Facebook post by its chief organiser Hasnat Abdullah in which he accused the army of making attempts to rehabilitate Awami League.

www.newagebd.net

NCP people should speak with one voice instead of posting everything on Facebook.

This is the folly and inexperience of youth. Not everything needs to be on Facebook.

I beg to differ. If Hasnat Abdullah chose not to post his conversation with the army chief on the face book, the people of Bangladesh would not have known the dirty political plan of the top brass of Bangladesh army to bring back Hasina and rehabilitate Awami league in domestic politics.

 

[Bilal9]

I beg to differ. If Hasnat Abdullah chose not to post his conversation with the army chief on the face book, the people of Bangladesh would not have known the dirty political plan of the top brass of Bangladesh army to bring back Hasina and rehabilitate Awami league in domestic politics.

The army is swearing up and down that army chief never said anything of the sort.

If they can represent falsehood like this then who can we turn to?

Indians are trying their level best to "handle" BNP and the army and keep corruption and Indian "dalali" status quo at previous levels.

 

[Saif]

The army is swearing up and down that army chief never said anything of the sort.

The army is lying through their un-brushed teeth. Please remember that the army chief is related to Hasina and a die hard pro-India.

If they can represent falsehood like this then who can we turn to?

The God Almighty.

 

[Bilal9]

The army is lying through their un-brushed teeth. Please remember that the army chief is related to Hasina and a die hard pro-India.


The God Almighty.

Good points.

So not sure what is next, after the army leadership's collective pants have been pulled down for all to see.

Will they step back into the barracks and let NCP do what it wants, I still firmly believe AL should be abolished altogether completely from politics, though Wakeruzzaman had convinced Yunus Saab otherwise. This is also the public demand by far, contrary to BNP and JP India Dalal wishes.

 

[Saif]

I still firmly believe AL should be abolished altogether completely from politics, though Wakeruzzaman had convinced Yunus Saab otherwise. This is also the public demand by far, contrary to BNP and JP India Dalal wishes.

Asif Nazrul was the guy who first opposed the idea of banning Awami league from Bangladesh politics. Then BNP supported Asif Nazrul and remained firm to let Awami League participate in the upcoming election. Some observers in Bangladesh firmly believe that Asif Nazrul is an Indian stooge who is protecting Indian interest in Bangladesh.

 

[Saif]

No guarantee that reforms will continue after election: Nahid

The convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), Nahid Islam, has demanded quick reforms and necessary trials before heading towards elections, alleging that some certain quarters are trying to bypass the reform initiatives.

en.prothomalo.com

No guarantee that reforms will continue after election: Nahid
Correspondent
Sirajganj
Published: 28 Mar 2025, 23: 08

Nahid Islam addresses an iftar programme virtually in Sirajganj on 28 March, 2025. Prothom Alo

The convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), Nahid Islam, has demanded quick reforms and necessary trials with the interim government in place, alleging that certain quarters are trying to bypass the reform initiatives.

“If we go for an election without ensuring trials for the July mass uprising, we have no guarantee that the post-election government will continue the reform process. Hence, we demand that reforms and trials be held at earliest within the existing legal framework,” he said.

The NCP leader was virtually addressing an iftar programme of his party in the station market area of Sirajganj municipality on Friday.

Describing the NCP as a youth-based political party, he said they are working to create a new chapter in the country’s political history.

Over the reform initiatives, Nahid Islam said, “We have said there must be some fundamental changes in the state, what the mass-uprising was intended for. If no reforms and changes take place, why so many people sacrificed their lives? Shed their blood?”

He demanded completion of trials, reforms, and introduction of a new constitution through a constituent assembly election within the tenure of the current interim government.

Nahid Islam also expressed gratitude to the people of Sirajganj for their contribution in the anti-discrimination movement and urged them to remain united in future.​

 

[Bilal9]

No guarantee that reforms will continue after election: Nahid

The convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), Nahid Islam, has demanded quick reforms and necessary trials before heading towards elections, alleging that some certain quarters are trying to bypass the reform initiatives.

en.prothomalo.com

No guarantee that reforms will continue after election: Nahid
Correspondent
Sirajganj
Published: 28 Mar 2025, 23: 08

View attachment 16041
Nahid Islam addresses an iftar programme virtually in Sirajganj on 28 March, 2025. Prothom Alo

The convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), Nahid Islam, has demanded quick reforms and necessary trials with the interim government in place, alleging that certain quarters are trying to bypass the reform initiatives.

“If we go for an election without ensuring trials for the July mass uprising, we have no guarantee that the post-election government will continue the reform process. Hence, we demand that reforms and trials be held at earliest within the existing legal framework,” he said.

The NCP leader was virtually addressing an iftar programme of his party in the station market area of Sirajganj municipality on Friday.

Describing the NCP as a youth-based political party, he said they are working to create a new chapter in the country’s political history.

Over the reform initiatives, Nahid Islam said, “We have said there must be some fundamental changes in the state, what the mass-uprising was intended for. If no reforms and changes take place, why so many people sacrificed their lives? Shed their blood?”

He demanded completion of trials, reforms, and introduction of a new constitution through a constituent assembly election within the tenure of the current interim government.

Nahid Islam also expressed gratitude to the people of Sirajganj for their contribution in the anti-discrimination movement and urged them to remain united in future.​

Nahid Islam needs to align himself to other secular entities instead of aligning himself too closely with Islamists like Jamaat and Hefazat.

Indians and their dalals in Bangladesh will label him and his party members as Islamists and will gain political mileage and faida. Label NCP as Taliban etc. which NCP is really not.

It is a slippery tightrope NCP has to walk....

 

[Saif]

AL symbol ‘shouldn't be on the ballot’ next election, says NCP leader Nahid

National Citizen Party (NCP) convenor Nahid Islam has called for the cancellation of the Awami League’s registration, saying the party’s electoral symbol should not appear in the upcoming national election. He said the ousted Awami League no longer has the right to participate in the c

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

AL symbol ‘shouldn't be on the ballot’ next election, says NCP leader Nahid
bdnews24.com
Published :
Mar 31, 2025 19:58
Updated :
Mar 31, 2025 20:33

National Citizen Party (NCP) convenor Nahid Islam has called for the cancellation of the Awami League’s registration, saying the party’s electoral symbol should not appear in the upcoming national election.

He said the ousted Awami League no longer has the right to participate in the country’s political process.

Nahid made the call after paying respects to those killed during the July Uprising, at their graves at Dhaka’s Jurain on Monday.

According to a bdnews24.com report, members of the martyrs’ families were also present at the time.

In response to a journalist’s question, Nahid, the most prominent face of the 2024 uprising that toppled the Sheikh Hasina regime, said: “Awami League will no longer be able to do politics in Bangladesh.

“On Aug 5, the people of Bangladesh gave a verdict against the Awami League and Mujibism. The process by which that verdict will be implemented can be a matter of discussion.”

The Awami League government was overthrown by a student-led mass uprising on Aug 5. The NCP was formed on Feb 28, 2025, initiated by the Anti-discrimination Student Movement, which spearheaded the anti-government protests.

The trial of former prime minister Hasina, her ministers, MPs, and party leaders has begun over the Awami League government’s repression to quell the movement.

Nahid said, “The trial is ongoing, and we have faith in the judicial process. We believe the issue of banning the Awami League can be resolved through trial and political consensus.

“For now, the registration of the Awami League should be cancelled. Their symbol will not appear in the next election.

He continued, “The masses, including the families of the martyrs and the injured, demand the banning of the Awami League”

‘SADNESS IN EID JOY’

The joy of Eid has been tinged by sorrow for many families who lost their loves ones during the mass uprising, said Nahid.

“I came to the Jurain Cemetery to share that pain and sorrow.”

Regarding the support provided to the families of those injured and killed in the uprising, Nahid said: “The amount of support and cooperation from the government should be increased.”

He said the announcement of monthly allowances to the families of those killed and injured was made before Eid, but the government has been able to reach very few families.

“We hope the government will implement the promises or announcements it has made in these matters quickly.”

Regarding the trial for the crimes of “murder, genocide and crimes against humanity” committed in an attempt to squash the movement, Nahid said: “We have always been calling for justice as we won’t otherwise be able to face these families.”​

 

[Saif]

Hasnat slams calling NCP’s position on AL as 'indecorous'

National Citizens Party (NCP)’s Southern Region Chief Organiser Hasnat Abdullah on Tuesday warned against branding his party’s firm anti-Awami League stance as a “breach of decorum.” In a post from his verified Facebook account, Hasnat wrote: “The day our anti-Awami L

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Hasnat slams calling NCP’s position on AL as 'indecorous'
UNB
Published :
Apr 15, 2025 23:22
Updated :
Apr 15, 2025 23:22

National Citizens Party (NCP)’s Southern Region Chief Organiser Hasnat Abdullah on Tuesday warned against branding his party’s firm anti-Awami League stance as a “breach of decorum.”

In a post from his verified Facebook account, Hasnat wrote: “The day our anti-Awami League position and rejection of compromise politics began to be called ‘indecorous’ was the day Awami League processions started growing bigger.”

Targeting those he accused of indulging in compromise politics, he said, “I’m warning those who are compromising—make up your mind about the Awami League very soon. Otherwise, you will continue with your compromise politics, and I will respond with indecorous behaviour.”

He added: “You won’t be able to handle it if I start breaching decorum. Be careful.”

His statement came just hours after a video of an Awami League protest march went viral on Facebook.

According to several posts by AL supporters, the march took place in Dhaka’s Badda area, reportedly led by a former Chhatra League leader.

Hasnat, however, did not clarify whom he was directly referring to in his comments or who he considers to be engaged in compromise politics.
​

 

[Saif]

NCP delegation meets EU envoys, reps to discuss reforms

The NCP delegation, led by convener Nahid Islam and Senior Joint Member Secretary Tasnim Jara, met with envoys and representatives of Spain, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, and Norway

www.thedailystar.net

NCP delegation meets EU envoys, reps to discuss reforms

Photo: Facebook/National Citizen Party - NCP

A delegation of the National Citizen Party (NCP) met with ambassadors and representatives from the EU and eight European countries today to discuss reforms.

The NCP delegation, led by convener Nahid Islam and Senior Joint Member Secretary Tasnim Jara, met with envoys and representatives of Spain, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, and Norway at the residence of Michael Miller, EU ambassador and head of delegation to Bangladesh.

The NCP delegation engaged in discussions about Bangladesh's current political landscape and the context in which the NCP was established. The party highlighted its proposed reforms and commitment to ensuring justice, particularly for human rights violations during the July uprising and other serious crimes under the previous regime.

EU representatives reaffirmed their support for Bangladesh's democratic transition during the meeting, said a press release issued by NCP.

The dialogue emphasised the importance of accountability and transparency in governance, as well as the need for systemic reforms to address past injustices.

The NCP expressed its dedication to building a fair and inclusive political environment in Bangladesh.​

 

[Saif]

NCP to discuss reforms with NCC today

The newly formed, youth-led National Citizen Party, which has agreed to more than two-thirds of the 166 key recommendations proposed by five reform commissions, is set to have its dialogue with the National Consensus Commission today.

www.newagebd.net

NCP to discuss reforms with NCC today
Staff Correspondent 19 April, 2025, 00:58

The newly formed, youth-led National Citizen Party, which has agreed to more than two-thirds of the 166 key recommendations proposed by five reform commissions, is set to have its dialogue with the National Consensus Commission today.

According to an NCC press release issued on Friday, the dialogue will take place at 10:30am at the LD Auditorium of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in the capital Dhaka.

Earlier, on March 23, the NCP responded to a spreadsheet-based questionnaire provided by the NCC, offering its position on the 166 multi-choice questions covering key reforms related to the constitution, electoral system, judiciary, public administration, and the Anti-Corruption Commission.

‘In our first dialogue with the NCC (on Saturday), we will raise the question as to why the key reform package excluded crucial proposals from the Police Reform Commission and the Local Government Reform Commission,’ said Sarwar Tushar, joint convener of the NCP.

The reform commissions on the constitution, electoral system, police, and the ACC submitted their full reports to the interim government on January 15.

Meanwhile, the judiciary and public administration reform commissions submitted their reports on January 31, and the Local Government Reform Commission submitted a preliminary report on February 22.

On March 5, the NCC, which had meanwhile compiled key recommendations from the constitution, electoral system, judiciary, public administration, and ACC reform commissions, distributed a multi-choice questionnaire to 39 political parties for their opinions on the recommendations.

The questionnaire offered six implementation options, including reform through ordinances or referendum before or during the next national elections, through a constituent assembly, or through constitutional reform after the elections, or through a parliament which will first work as a constituent assembly and then as a regular legislature.

According to the NCP’s feedback, the party fully agreed to 113 recommendations and partially agreed to 29 out of the 166 presented.

Unlike many prominent political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, the NCP favoured the implementation of consensus-based reforms by elected members of a parliament which will first work as a constituent assembly and then as a regular legislature.

An analysis of the NCP responses shows that the party considered at least 93 reform proposals — mainly from the constitution and electoral reform commissions — as suitable for implementation by a constituent-cum-regular parliament.

Additionally, the party suggested that 14 out of the 23 recommendations from the Judiciary Reform Commission can be implemented through ordinances. Of the 20 recommendations made by the ACC Reform Commission, the NCP proposed that 15 be implemented via ordinance.

The party disagreed to 11 of the 26 recommendations from the Public Administration Reform Commission. It also strongly opposed the proposal to divide the country into four provinces, calling it ‘dangerous’.

On February 28, the NCP was formed, primarily comprising student organisers who had led the July mass uprising that overthrew the Sheikh Hasina-led regime after its 15 years in power.

The NCP is yet to be registered with the Election Commission as a political party.​

 

[Saif]

NCP held 9-hr long general meeting, takes certain decisions

National Citizen’s Party (NCP) has taken some important decisions including formation of a ‘discipline and investigation’ committee in the wake of some allegations against certain leaders of the party. The newly formed political party took some decisions including determining the future...

en.prothomalo.com

NCP held 9-hr long general meeting, takes certain decisions
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 19 Apr 2025, 17: 12

Nahid Islam presided over third general meeting of National Citizen Party on 18 April Prothom Alo

National Citizen Party (NCP) has taken some important decisions including formation of a ‘discipline and investigation’ committee in the wake of some allegations against certain leaders of the party.

The newly formed political party took some decisions including determining the future programmes and organisational policies, and formulating proposals for reforms.

The meeting was held at the NCP's temporary central office at the Rupayan Trade Center in Banglamotor in the capital for about nine hours from 3:00pm to midnight on Friday.

The third general meeting of the NCP was presided over by party convener Nahid Islam and moderated by member secretary Akhtar Hossain.

Later, in a press release, the NCP said that the general meeting of the party discussed determining the NCP's regional organisational policies, formulating proposals for reforms, determining programmes demanding the trial of the Awami League involved in the genocide and the constituent assembly elections, and demanding the government to adopt effective policies to stop border killings.

Along with this, the ongoing Israeli violence in Gaza, Palestine and the ongoing movement against the Waqf Bill in India were also discussed, as well as the need to protest against the repression and oppression and to strongly demand the government to prevent the price hike of essentials.

At the meeting, chief organiser (Northern region) Sarjis Alam and chief organiser (Southern region) Hasnat Abdullah proposed necessary policies to increase the organisational dynamics of the party.

The party has been divided into 19 organisational zones to facilitate the organisational activities in 64 districts.

The meeting also decided that the district committees of the party would consist of highest 51 to lowest 31 members and upazila committees would consist of 21 to 41 members. Minimum age for the convener of the committees would be 40 years.

The press release said the party decided to form a ‘discipline and investigation’ committee in the wake of various allegations of violation of organisational discipline against some leaders on social media and public sphere in recent times. This committee will be constituted tomorrow, Sunday.

The party’s Dhaka city unit will hold protests in the current week to press home for trial, reform and constituent assembly elections.​

 

[Saif]

NCP wants basic reforms

The National Citizen Party leaders on Saturday iterated their position for fundamental reforms in state management instruments, particularly the constitution, the electoral system and the judiciary, to prevent the return of any autocratic and...

www.newagebd.net

NCP wants basic reforms
Staff Correspondent 19 April, 2025, 12:18

The National Citizen Party delegates attend a dialogue with the National Consensus Commission at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in Dhaka on Saturday. | Focus Bangla photo

The National Citizen Party leaders on Saturday iterated their position for fundamental reforms in state management instruments, particularly the constitution, the electoral system and the judiciary, to prevent the return of any autocratic and fascist regime to the state power.

Speaking to journalists after a dialogue with the National Consensus Commission at the LD Auditorium of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in Dhaka, they highlighted the importance of peaceful transition of power, balance in executive power, inclusive bicameral parliament, freedom of parliamentarians, and referendum for adopting amendments to the constitution.

NCP convener Nahid Islam led an eight-member delegate team in the dialogue chaired by NCC vice-chair Professor Ali Riaz.

‘Goals of the July uprising as well as citizens’ aspirations for a sustainable democracy will certainly be shuttered if state reforms serve only election-centric party interests,’ Nahid said in a post-dialogue press briefing.

Appraising the NCP leaders who led the July-August student-mass uprising, Professor Ali Riaz said, ‘The current state reform process has been made possible due to the uprising. We can speak and sit together as a result of the uprising that ousted the fascist Awami League regime.’

The NCP could partially discuss the issues related to constitutional and electoral reforms on the day.

Nahid further said that the NCP opposed all the fundamental principles of state policy inscribed in the 1972 constitution as well as others inserted by several amendments including the fifth one, terming them all party-biased.

He said that his party strongly supported the constitutional reform commission-proposed ceiling to the tenure of an individual president and prime minister to two terms.

The NCP recommended a cabinet-led government to check the mishandling of the prime minister’s absolute power.

Although the party supported the proposed bicameral parliament, it recommended proportionate representation in the upper house by casted votes instead of seats secured by an individual party.

‘Regarding constitutional amendment, we recommended that this shall be passed through a referendum following approval from both houses of the bicameral parliament,’ NCP member secretary Akhtar Hossian, who was also present in the dialogue, said.

He added that the NCP supported the proposed National Constitutional Council and the electoral college for electing the country’s president but recommended that grassroots-level people’s representatives be accommodated into the processes.

Earlier on Thursday, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party delegation opposed the constitution reform commission-proposed referendum option and the National Constitutional Council.

The delegation led by BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said that the BNP demanded to reinstate the fundamental principles that were inserted into the constitution through the fifth amendment.

BNP also opposed the particular option to implement reforms by elected members of a parliament which will first work as a constituent assembly and then as a regular legislature.

During Saturday’s dialogue, the NCP repeated its support for the option.

NCP chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari, also a member of the delegation, said, ‘The country needs a new constitution to be passed by a constituent assembly. Otherwise, the reforms will not sustain.’

Regarding the NCP’s registration with the Election Commission as a political party, he said that the NCP would meet the chief election commissioner on Sunday to discuss reforms in the EC and the part’s registration issue.

Beginning on March 20, the NCC held dialogues with 11 political parties till Saturday.

The BNP delegation is expected to sit with the NCC today to complete its discussion.​

 

[Saif]

NCP for polls only after electoral reforms

The National Citizen Party has urged the Election Commission to hold the next general election only after the final recommendations made by the National Consensus Commission on electoral reforms are implemented.

www.thedailystar.net

NCP for polls only after electoral reforms

The National Citizen Party has urged the Election Commission to hold the next general election only after the final recommendations made by the National Consensus Commission on electoral reforms are implemented.

NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari believes it is possible to implement the reforms and hold elections within the timeframe set by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus.

He made the remarks while briefing the media after meeting Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin at the Election Commission (EC) headquarters in the capital's Agargaon yesterday.

A five-member delegation met with the CEC to discuss a range of issues. Over the two-hour meeting, NCP representatives engaged in discussions on party demands, registration deadlines, and other election-related matters.

Referring to a letter sent to the EC on Thursday, in which NCP sought an extension of the deadline for new political party registration, Nasiruddin said the party demanded that the Election Commission hold the election following reforms in line with the public demand.

He said the EC should depend on the National Consensus Commission's full report on electoral reform.

Nasiruddin said once finalised, the government would forward the final report to relevant constitutional bodies, and the NCP expects full implementation. "We discussed the electoral system in our meeting with the commission and insisted that the final report be enforced."

He emphasised that "every page, every word" of the reform report must be translated into rules and policies to guide the next election. "The CEC agreed—there must be alignment with the commission. Without it, trust is impossible."

He also criticised past manipulation of elections, stating, "For the last 15 years, the process has been engineered. We want that to end in a new Bangladesh."

The NCP has called for an investigation and accountability for those involved in the last three national elections.

Nasiruddin said, "The Awami League had pushed the country and its institutions into a fascist framework, stripping the people of their right to vote. The Election Commission also shares responsibility for this. Those who contested in the past three elections, as well as the EC officials and staff involved, must be investigated through proper procedures and brought to justice—so that no constitutional institution or individual can side with any political party in the future."

He also said that over the past 15 years, people's right to vote was taken away. Through fraud and manipulation, Bangladesh was transformed into a fascist structure—and the Election Commission played a significant role behind that fascist framework.

"We want a new, transparent electoral path for Bangladesh."

NCP'S NINE DEMANDS

The NCP leader said that they have raised nine demands with the CEC. These are: candidates must submit their nomination papers in person, certification of the election by the EC within 48 hours, investigation of candidates' affidavits to verify their authenticity, amendments to the code of conduct and expenditure rules, stopping loan defaulters from participating in elections, cancellation of candidacy if false information is found in the affidavit, and ensuring they cannot hold office even if elected, ensuring voting rights for expatriates, extending the deadline for political party registration, and monitoring political parties to ensure they practice internal democratic processes.

He also said that if these demands are not implemented, it will not be possible to participate in the election or exercise the right to vote.

EC EXTENDS PARTY'S REGISTRATION DEADLINE

Yesterday, the EC extended the deadline for new political party registration by two months, setting it for June 22. The original deadline was April 20.

"Until Thursday, seven parties applied for registration and 20 others sought an extended deadline. Under these circumstances, the time for securing registration has been extended," EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed told reporters at the EC headquarters yesterday.

He said the parties seeking registration need to apply within the extended deadline, fulfilling the related legal requirements and exhausting the procedures.​

 

[Saif]

Sarjis, Hasnat take flak at NCP meet

National Citizen Party leaders Sarjis Alam and Hasnat Abdullah came under intense scrutiny at a key party meeting on Friday over allegations of breaching party discipline, said sources.

www.thedailystar.net

Sarjis, Hasnat take flak at NCP meet

National Citizen Party leaders Sarjis Alam and Hasnat Abdullah came under intense scrutiny at a key party meeting on Friday over allegations of breaching party discipline, said sources.

Allegations of financial irregularities were also raised against another top leader, Gazi Salahuddin Tanvir, during the closed-door general meeting held at the NCP's temporary central office in Rupayan Trade Center in the capital's Banglamotor area.

In response, the less-than-two-month-old party decided to form a "discipline and investigation" committee to address the allegations and uphold internal discipline.

Requesting anonymity, at least three leaders of NCP, who know the developments, confirmed to The Daily Star that, during the nine-hour-long meeting, the allegations against Chief Organiser (North) Sarjis, Chief Organiser (South) Hasnat, and Joint Member Secretary Tanvir dominated the discussions.

They said, referring to various allegations swirling against the three leaders on social media, participants raised concerns about Sarjis's perceived lavish lifestyles, extravagant motorcade in his locality in March, alleged financial irregularities involving Tanvir, and repeated instances of sensitive party matters being aired publicly on social media by Hasnat and Sarjis.

Sarjis and Hasnat also faced criticism for independently taking positions on various issues and allegedly "dealing" with matters without prior party consultation.

In response, Sarjis defended himself, saying his family bore the cost of his motorcade and that his lifestyle was "nothing new". He said he sometimes rents luxury cars for security reasons and claimed that most of the social media allegations were exaggerated.

Hasnat, for his part, denied all accusations and said he would resign if any allegation could be proven. He maintained that his controversial Facebook post about a meeting with army personnel had already been clarified and did not warrant further explanation.

Both leaders alleged that they were being targeted by vested quarters aiming to discredit the NCP. They claimed that they had helped numerous people following the July uprising without any financial gain.

They claimed that many people want to take photos with them when they visit places across the country. However, if allegations later arise against those individuals, people tend to associate them with the wrongdoers, they said.

On April 9, the two leaders met with Anti-Corruption Commission Chairman Abdul Momen and submitted written complaints against unknown individuals. Later, Hasnat described the meeting as a personal initiative unrelated to the party.

No direct allegations of financial misconduct were raised against Sarjis or Hasnat in the meeting, the sources said.

However, concerns regarding "financial irregularities" by Gazi Salahuddin Tanvir were discussed. Tanvir denied the accusations and said he would welcome any investigation.

According to party sources, the NCP leadership agreed to draft a social media usage policy to prevent further controversies.

"We agreed on principle about prioritising party over person," a joint convener of NCP told The Daily Star. "A decision was also taken to discuss issues related to the party on the party forum before making any statements online."

The meeting, chaired by NCP Convener Nahid Islam and moderated by Member Secretary Akhter Hossen, also addressed organisational matters.

It decided to take steps to meet the Election Commission's registration requirements within the next month, formulate the party's future programmes, and finalise state reform proposals.

NCP has divided the country into 19 organisational zones to facilitate party activities across 64 districts.

The meeting decided that district committees will consist of 31 to 51 members, and upazila committees will have between 21 and 41 members. The minimum age for a convener will be 40.

A press release issued after the meeting said the party discussed ongoing global issues, including the Israeli violence in Gaza, India's Waqf act protests, and domestic ones such as trial for Awami League men who took part in killings during last year's uprising, border killings and rising commodity prices.

The new "discipline and investigation" committee will be formally constituted today, the release added.

Meanwhile, the party's Dhaka city unit is set to launch protests this week, pressing for the trial of Awami League members over the July killings, state reforms, and the formation of a constituent assembly.​

 

[Saif]

NCP holds dialogue with Communist Party of China

The discussions covered the current political developments in Bangladesh, the NCP's vision for reform, regional and global geopolitical dynamics

www.thedailystar.net

NCP holds dialogue with Communist Party of China

Photo: Facebook/National Citizen Party-NCP

A delegation of the National Citizen Party held a meeting with a delegation from the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC) on April 25.

The discussions covered the current political developments in Bangladesh, the NCP's vision for reform, regional and global geopolitical dynamics, and prospects for future cooperation, said a press release issued yesterday.

Both sides underlined the value of continued dialogue and engagement, and agreed to explore further avenues of collaboration in the future.

The NCP delegation, led by its Convenor Nahid Islam, comprised Tasnim Jara, senior joint member secretary; Alauddin Mohammad, joint member secretary, Tahsin Riaz, joint member secretary.

The IDCPC delegation was led by Peng Xiubin, director general of the Bureau for Southeast and South Asian Affairs. He was accompanied by Chen Xuanbo, deputy director; Chen Yongpei, third secretary, and Zhang Guyu, attaché.​

 

[Saif]

Why did Umama Fatema suddenly say no relations with NCP?

“I am not associated with the new political party, the National Citizen Party (NCP). I have no personal connection of any kind with NCP,” wrote Umama Fatema, a leader of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, in a Facebook post.

en.prothomalo.com

Why did Umama Fatema suddenly say no relations with NCP?
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Updated: 29 Apr 2025, 20: 48

Umama Fatema File photo

“I am not associated with the new political party, the National Citizen Party (NCP). I have no personal connection of any kind with NCP,” wrote Umama Fatema, a leader of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, in a Facebook post.

Explaining why she made the post, Umama said that despite not joining NCP, many people still try to view her through the lens of this new party.

That is why she felt the need to clarify her position publicly.

Umama Fatema is a student in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Dhaka. During the July mass uprising, she served as the member secretary of the Dhaka University chapter of the Student Federation, the student wing of the Ganosamhati Andolon. She was one of the prominent female leaders at the forefront of the anti-discrimination movement during the uprising.

Following the uprising, in October last year, the organisational structure of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement was restructured, and Umama was appointed as its spokesperson.

At that point, she stepped down from her position in the Student Federation. On 28 February, the National Citizen Party (NCP) was launched through a joint initiative of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the National Citizens’ Committee.

Many central leaders of the student movement have since joined NCP—but Umama did not. She remains actively involved in the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, which may soon undergo another organisational restructuring. There is speculation that Umama is a contender for a top leadership role in the restructured committee.

In a Facebook post on Monday night, Umama said, "A brief announcement for everyone. I am not affiliated with the new political party NCP. While many acquaintances of mine are part of that party, I personally have no connection to it. So, I kindly request that no NCP-related advice, organisational discussions, or proposals be brought to me. This will save time for both you and me.”

When asked today, Tuesday afternoon why she made such a post, speaking to Prothom Alo, Umama said, “I constantly face questions from journalists, the public, and people in political circles—questions like what my party is doing, or what our future plans are. Most of them want to discuss matters related to NCP. Due to this confusion, many try to perceive me as a representative of NCP. In other words, there is a tendency to view me through the lens of that party. That’s why I made the post—to make it clear that I am not involved with NCP.”

She also confirmed that she is still with the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, adding, “The platform is not yet dissolved. Its committee will be restructured, and fresh activities will follow."​

 

[Saif]

NCP Bogura rally: 2 groups clash in presence of Sarjis

Two groups of Student Against Discrimination (SAD) have locked in a series of clashes at a rally organised by National Citizen Party (NCP) in Bogura. The rally was organised by the NCP demanding the ban on the Awami League politics at the Shaheed Titu Auditorium (Poura Park).

en.prothomalo.com

NCP Bogura rally: 2 groups clash in presence of Sarjis
Staff Correspondent Bagura
Published: 30 Apr 2025, 20: 42

Two groups clash in NCP rally in front of Sarjis in Bagura on 30 April Prothom Alo

Two groups of Student Against Discrimination (SAD) have locked in a series of clashes at a rally organised by National Citizen Party (NCP) in Bogura.

The rally was organised by the NCP demanding the ban on the Awami League politics at the Shaheed Titu Auditorium (Poura Park).

The incident took place at around 5:15pm on Wednesday in the presence of NCP Chief Organiser (Southern region) Sarjis Alam.

According to eyewitnesses, Sarjis Alam and other central leaders of the NCP reached the rally venue at around 4:30pm. Then, a group of the SAD entered the Poura Park premises with a procession.

The chief guest of the rally, Sarjis Alam, was sitting on the stage and other central leaders of the NCP were delivering their speeches. At that time, a group of SAD started chanting slogans against Sarjis Alam. Another group taking Sarjis' side, got into a fight with them. At one stage, a fierce fight broke out between the two groups.

Several eyewitnesses said that NCP leaders were delivering speeches on the stage of the rally when the two groups of the SAD clashed. Central Joint Member Secretary Tahsin Riaz, Joint Chief Organiser (Northern Region) Shakib Mahdi, central leaders Nazmul Islam, Sadia Farzana and others delivered speeches for about a minute. And the chief guest Sarjis Alam spoke for about four minutes and hurriedly left the stage. Later, a protest march was held around the city's Sat Matha intersection demanding the ban on the Awami League. A lot of policemen were deployed in the front and back of the procession.

SM Moinuddin, officer-in-charge of Bogura Sadar Police Station, told Prothom Alo that a group of NCP supporters catcalled when Sarjis Alam took to the stage. A scuffle broke out when another group stood in support of Sarjis. Later, the supporters of Sarjis drove the other group away.

Sabbir Ahmed, one of the key organisers of NCP Bogura district, told Prothom Alo that some unruly supporters of a recently-expelled leader of NCP and a group of SAD leaders and activists tried to create chaos.​

 

[Saif]

No election before AL’s trial, reforms, NCP leaders say

No election will be held in this country before the trial of the Bangladesh Awami League (AL) and carrying out reforms, National Citizen Party (NCP) leaders said on Friday. The leaders said this at a rally of the party at the South Gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in the capital in the...

en.prothomalo.com

No election before AL’s trial, reforms, NCP leaders say
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Updated: 02 May 2025, 19: 56

NCP leaders chanting slogans at the rally on 2 May 2025 Prothom Alo

No election will be held in this country before the trial of the Bangladesh Awami League (AL) and carrying out reforms, National Citizen Party (NCP) leaders said on Friday.

The leaders said this at a rally of the party at the South Gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in the capital in the afternoon.

NCP leaders further said the interim government and the political parties are dilly dallying over banning the Awami League.

According to them, the Awami League will be banned in the country. The people made this decision on 5 August last year. Despite this, if someone tries to rehabilitate the AL, the July fighters will prevent them.

Addressing the rally, NCP Joint Principal Coordinator Tariqul Islam said, “The interim government and the political parties are showing excuses over banning the Awami League. This is shameful. Don’t show us the High Court. The July revolution did not take place following the High Court.”

Stating that the July generation wants to know why the AL will not be banned, Tariqul further said they don’t want to see any form of bureaucratic red tape in banning the Awami League. “AL must be banned through consensus of all the parties. We have to go for elections only after the trial of Awami League and carrying out the reforms.”

Stating that they have driven away “killer Hasina”, NCP’s Joint Convener Tajnuva Jabeen told the rally that they need to hold on this victory.

A section of the NCP leaders and activists joined the rally on 2 May 2025 Prothom Alo

According to her, an attempt has been going on to rehabilitate the Awami League. Issuing a warning against this initiative, she said the AL will never be able to do politics in this land again.

Ashraf Uddin Mahdi, another Joint Convener of the party said, “Killer Hasina has to be brought back to Bangladesh and should be hanged at the gallows. Besides this, it would be betrayal with the martyrs if another election before fundamental reforms is organised.”

Atik Mujahid, yet another Joint Convener of NCP said, “The Awami League and the aides of Hasina are threats to the country’s security and sovereignty. They cannot live in Bangladesh.”

NCP’s Joint Member Secretary Humaira Nur said Awami League exploited the people for more than 15 years. They did not allow the people to cast their votes. The corrupted and genocidal Awami League must be banned so that it could not repeat those incidents.

According to this leader, Bangladesh will no longer run following the “prescription” of Delhi.

Addressing the interim government, NCP’s Joint Member Secretary Mahin Sarkar said no dilly dallying will be acceptable over banning the Awami League and there could be no election before the reforms.

A section of the activists joined the NCP rally at the Southern Gate of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque on 2 May 2025 Prothom Alo

Tahsin Riaz, another Joint Member Secretary of the party said, “The future politics will be the politics of driving out the Awami League from Bangladesh; it will be the politics of chasing away from the country the journalists who supported the Awami League.”

NCP Organiser Rafiqul Islam Ainee said banning the genocidal Awami League should be the priority of the interim government. This would be one of the main reforms of this government.

The party’s Joint Principal Coordinator Ali Naser Khan said the family members of the martyred will decide whether the AL would do politics in Bangladesh or not.

NCP Organiser Mostaq Ahmad Shishir said that the people on 5 August last year made their decision that the Awami League will be banned in this country. The July fighters will prevent any attempt to rehabilitate the AL.

Alleging that several political parties have been conspiring against the NCP, its central leader Mohammad Ataullah warned, “Those who would conspire against the NCP will face their annihilation.”

July mass uprising martyr Khaled Saifullah’s father Kamrul Hasan also addressed the rally. “Seventy bullets were fired at the chest of my son. How many bullets do you need to kill a person? No election will be allowed until the trial of killings.”

NCP Convener Nahid Islam joined the rally around 4:45 pm.

Apart from him, the party’s Member Secretary Akhter Hossen, Principal Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, Senior Joint Convener Samatha Sharmin, Principal Coordinator Sarjis Alam and Hasnat Abdullah and other senior leaders were on the stage.​