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

[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.​