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

[Saif]

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NCP is neither ‘secularist’ nor ‘theocratic’, says NCP’s Nahid
bdnews24.com
Published :
May 19, 2025 20:10
Updated :
May 19, 2025 20:10

Nahid Islam, convenor of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has swept aside all ideas of the party being secularist or theocratic, saying it believes in “religious coexistence, harmony and the practice of responsibility and compassion”.

Sharing the ideals of the NCP on social media, he said the party wants to build an “inclusive democratic state” through these ideologies.

Nahid posted this on the party’s Facebook page after a meeting with top NCP leaders on Monday.

The post highlights different issues, including state reforms, women’s rights, religious values, national security, and regional politics in seven points.

Nahid wrote, “One of the main foundations of the Bangladeshi state is the Liberation War. The ideals of equality, justice and human dignity of the war and the aspirations of the 2024 mass uprising for a non-discriminatory and democratic state system are the guiding principles of the NCP.

“In addition, we accept the continuity of the anti-colonial and anti-Brahminist struggle of the Hindu-Muslim-Dalits of Bengal as our political and historical foundation.

“The NCP respects citizens’ religious beliefs and spiritual values. While acknowledging Islam as the faith of the majority, it values the language, culture, and lifestyle of Bengali Muslims.

“It is equally committed to protecting the religious, cultural, and civil rights of minority religious and ethnic communities.

“The NCP supports religious and cultural integrity for all, opposes Islamophobia, communalism, and all forms of extremism.

“It rejects both secular and theocratic ideologies as ideal and seeks to build an inclusive, democratic state based on coexistence, harmony, and accountability.”

He added, “The NCP embraces a civilisational national identity instead of one based on race, religion, or tribe.

“It will build a national culture by embracing the civilisational identity of the Bengal Delta, a meeting place of many languages and cultures.

“Women’s dignity and empowerment are at the core of NCP principles. It will ensure access to education, healthcare, safety, leadership, and employment, and promote fair property rights under family law.

The party, formed by the frontline leaders of the July Movement, considers “Indian hegemony and Hindutva” a threat.

Nahid wrote, “Indian hegemony and Hindutva in South Asia are a cultural and geopolitical threat to Bangladesh. NCP will take a strong political stand against this trend.

“NCP believes Bangladesh should increase strategic relations with other countries based on fairness, dignity, and national interest.

“NCP wants to build a socio-economic system free from discrimination, justice and corruption, similar to a welfare state.

“Education, public health, agriculture, climate, urban management, labour rights, and employment will be the main policy areas of the NCP.

“It has a vision of creating a new economic zone centred on Bangladesh in the Bay of Bengal region.”

Highlighting the formulation of a new constitution, the convenor wrote: “To build a truly democratic state system, it is necessary to restructure the state structure, reform institutions, and formulate a new constitution.

“The main political duty of the NCP is to abolish the fascist system and establish a new political settlement.”​

 

[Saif]

NCP removes unit chief after police detention; Hannan Masud secures release

Police have released Saiful Islam Rabbi, the removed convenor of the Mohammadpur Thana unit of the National Citizens Party (NCP), after detaining him over an alleged public disturbance. He was released into the custody of Abdul Hannan Masud, NCP’s senior joint chief convenor, around 3:30pm o

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NCP removes unit chief after police detention; Hannan Masud secures release

FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
May 20, 2025 20:21
Updated :
May 20, 2025 20:21

Police have released Saiful Islam Rabbi, the removed convenor of the Mohammadpur Thana unit of the National Citizens Party (NCP), after detaining him over an alleged public disturbance.

He was released into the custody of Abdul Hannan Masud, NCP’s senior joint chief convenor, around 3:30pm on Tuesday, said Shah Mostofa Tariquzzaman, assistant commissioner of police for the Dhanmondi zone.

Two others detained alongside Rabbi were also released at the same time, the police official said.

All three were freed on condition that they would not engage in similar activities in future.

On Monday night, Rabbi, who identified himself as a leader of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, was involved in an argument with police in the Mohammadpur area.

A video of the altercation later went viral on social media, drawing criticism.

The NCP later confirmed that Rabbi had been removed from all organisational responsibilities over the incident.​

 

[Saif]

NCP to hold demonstrations in front of EC

The National Citizen Party (NCP) is losing confidence in the election commission (EC) for various reasons. The party is going to hold demonstrations in front of the EC building demanding reform of the EC as per the recommendations made by the EC reform commission. The demonstrations will start...

en.prothomalo.com

NCP to hold demonstrations in front of EC
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 20 May 2025, 23: 11

NCP logo

The National Citizen Party (NCP) is losing confidence in the election commission (EC) for various reasons. The party is going to hold demonstrations in front of the EC building demanding reform of the EC as per the recommendations made by the EC reform commission. The demonstrations will start from 11:00 am Wednesday.

NCP member secretary Akhter Hossain came up with the announcement at a press conference held at the temporary party office in the capital’s Banglamotor area. He read out a written statement on behalf of the party.

He read, “A complex political situation has arisen due to the illegal election of the Dhaka South City Corporation in 2020. We believe that the biased role of the election commission (EC) is responsible for the situation.”

The NCP has stated, “Despite being a defendant in the case of ‘Ishraque Hossain versus Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh’, the election commission unprecedentedly chose not to contest the case, resulting in a one-sided verdict.

Even after the judgement, the commission did not attempt to settle the matter in the High Court, which appears to have given undue advantage to the plaintiff.”

Even before, the EC made such statements instead of being neutral which are quite similar to the stance of a specific political party, the NCP leader alleged.

He said that the current election commission was formed under the 'Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Appointment Act 2022', enacted by the illegal and fascist Awami League government, which was rejected at the time by all anti-fascist political parties and groups.

Akhtar Hossain stated that in the absence of elected representatives, citizen services are being severely disrupted and obstacles have emerged in implementing social protection initiatives.

Referring to the case of ‘Ishraque Hossain versus Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh’ as a precedent, he said that candidates from illegal elections across the country are now turning to the courts, creating a complex and critical situation. The only solution to this crisis and to alleviate public suffering is to hold local government elections.

However, it appears that the current biased election commission, formed under a fascist law, is not capable of conducting such elections.​

 

[Saif]

NCP leader Nasiruddin blasts three advisers

NCP chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary on Wednesday criticised three advisers – Dr Asif Nazrul, Dr Salehuddin Ahmed and Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud—claiming that they are ‘BNP spokespersons’. If the reform recommendations are not implemented, the advisers who are ‘BNP spok

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NCP leader Nasiruddin blasts three advisers
UNB
Published :
May 21, 2025 19:32
Updated :
May 21, 2025 19:32

NCP chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary on Wednesday criticised three advisers – Dr Asif Nazrul, Dr Salehuddin Ahmed and Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud—claiming that they are ‘BNP spokespersons’.

If the reform recommendations are not implemented, the advisers who are ‘BNP spokespeople’ will be forced to resign, he said while addressing a demonstration organised by the NCP.

The National Citizen Party-NCP staged the demonstration in front of Nirbachan Bhaban demanding reconstitution of the Election Commission and immediate arrangement of local government body elections.

The NCP chief coordinator said, “Wahiduddin Bhai (adviser) is working to sink education in Bangladesh, Salehuddin Bhai (adviser) is working to sink the financial sector of the country. Asif Nazrul is working to sink the Law Ministry. Then we will force them to resign through launching a programme.”

Referring to the ban on Awami League’s activities, he said, “We demanded that the Awami League be banned, and it was banned. But the Awami League’s election commission and constitution were not banned.”

Noting that Adviser Asif Nazrul had betrayed students and people, Nasiruddin said “Asif Nazrul once gave a false assurance that the July Declaration would be made, but didn’t. He betrayed...”

“If this time there would be any change of words, I don’t know whether Asif Nazrul will remain in Bangladesh,” he said.

The NCP chief coordinator said they are waiting for the July declaration. “We are waiting for the declaration, then the EC will be reconstituted, local elections and the constituent assembly election will be held and we will get a beautiful Bangladesh,” he said concluding their demonstration rally.

The NCP chief coordinator said the current election commission was constituted in line with the 2022 law which was enacted during the authoritarian regime amid objection from various political parties including BNP.

“This commission is a constitutional body, but it is playing the spokesperson role of a party instead of maintaining that (constitutional) position, which is shameful for the country,” he said.

The NCP leader suggested the Election Commission arrange the local body elections first to test its fitness. “Local elections must be held before the national election. There will be no national election before the local elections,” he added.

The NCP Dhaka city unit arranged the demonstrations against the AMM Nasir Uddin-led current Election Commission.

The demonstration began at 12:0pm and continued till 2:15pm in the city’s Agargaon area.

The NCP leaders alleged that this Commission was constituted hastily before the reform initiatives were implemented. This Commission has already lost its neutrality, they claimed.

Pointing at the BNP, these NCP leaders asked the party to test its popularity through the local body elections before going for the National Election.​

 

[Saif]

BNP conspiring to seize power toppling current govt: NCP

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) does not want local government elections before national elections due to its internal conflict. BNP is creating public sufferings as the party is conspiring to topple the government of mass uprising and usurp state power.

en.prothomalo.com

BNP conspiring to seize power toppling current govt: NCP
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 22 May 2025, 22: 15

Dhaka South City (Jatrabari Zone) unit of the NCP organised a protest rally at Jatrabari intersection in the capital on 22 May. Prothom Alo

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) does not want local government elections before national elections due to its internal conflict. BNP is creating public sufferings as the party is conspiring to topple the government of mass uprising and usurp state power.

National Citizen Party (NCP) leaders made these remarks at a protest rally at Jatrabari intersection in the capital this Thursday afternoon.

The rally was organised by the Dhaka South City (Jatrabari Zone) unit of the NCP to demand the reconstitution of the election commission (EC) and the holding of local government elections.

NCP’s central Joint Member Secretary Nizam Uddin said, “From the beginning, the election commission has acted with bias to please a particular political party. That EC, formed under a controversial law during the fascist regime, must be restructured. An independent Supreme Judicial Council should be formed to hold the EC accountable.”

Md Alauddin, another Joint Member Secretary of the party, said the BNP is trying to fish in troubled waters.

“They want to bring another ‘1/11’ (military-backed government of 2007-08) to Bangladesh. The judiciary and Election Commission that facilitated the paralysis of Bangladesh during 1/11 must be overhauled,” he added.

Ali Naser Khan, NCP’s Joint Chief Organiser, stated that the BNP, a major party expected to be responsible, did not seek justice for the killings during the July uprising.

“Rather, they are obsessed with rehabilitating the Awami League. They are scheming to oust the government of uprising and seize power through evil means.”

He further alleged that even before reforms began, the BNP had placed its own people in key positions such as election commissioners and the attorney general.

“Similarly, they have filled important posts in the higher and lower judiciary and bureaucracy. Although there's talk of a level playing field for elections, the reality shows otherwise. Therefore, the EC must be restructured.”

SM Shahriar, NCP’s Joint Chief Coordinator, said, “The EC formed under the black law of 2022 has rejected every proposal for electoral reform. In other words, this EC does not want a democratic Bangladesh.”

Khan Muhammad Mursalin, another Joint Chief Coordinator, said if the July declaration is not issued within stipulated time, an unstoppable mass movement will be launched with the people.​

 

[Saif]

NCP demands trials, reforms, polls preparations go parallelly

The National Citizen Party, or NCP, has demanded that the trial of those involved in atrocities during the July uprising, reforms process, particularly formulating the July Charter, and preparations for national elections be run parallelly. The demand was raised during a meeting between Chief Advi

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

NCP demands trials, reforms, polls preparations go parallelly

FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
May 24, 2025 22:27
Updated :
May 24, 2025 22:28

The National Citizen Party, or NCP, has demanded that the trial of those involved in atrocities during the July uprising, reforms process, particularly formulating the July Charter, and preparations for national elections be run parallelly.

The demand was raised during a meeting between Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and an NCP delegation at the chief adviser’s official residence, Jamuna, on Saturday evening.

After the meeting, NCP Convenor Nahid Islam briefed the media.​

 

[Saif]

NCP delegation to meet Prof Yunus following BNP-Jamaat meetings

A delegation of the National Citizen Party (NCP), led by its Convenor Nahid Islam, is scheduled to meet Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna at 8:30pm on Saturday, according to NCP Joint Member Secretary Mushfiq-us-Saleheen. The meeting comes shortly after the Chi

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NCP delegation to meet Prof Yunus following BNP-Jamaat meetings

UNB
Published :
May 24, 2025 21:13
Updated :
May 24, 2025 21:13

A delegation of the National Citizen Party (NCP), led by its Convenor Nahid Islam, is scheduled to meet Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna at 8:30pm on Saturday, according to NCP Joint Member Secretary Mushfiq-us-Saleheen.

The meeting comes shortly after the Chief Adviser held separate talks with leaders of the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami.

Mushfiq-us-Saleheen said other members of their delegation include Chief Organiser Hasnat Abdullah, Senior Joint Convenor Ariful Islam Adib and Senior Joint Member Secretary Tasnim Jara.

Meanwhile, a four-member BNP delegation started a meeting with Prof Yunus as part of efforts to defuse mounting political tension in the country.

The meeting, led by BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, began at 7:35pm at the Chief Advisers' official residence Jamuna.

The other members of the delegation included Standing Committee Members Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Salahuddin Ahmed.​

 

[Saif]

NCP has no ties with two student advisers: Nahid Islam

NCP convenor Nahid Islam made the remarks at a press conference at the NCP’s temporary central office in the capital’s Banglamotor on Saturday afternoon.

en.prothomalo.com

NCP has no ties with two student advisers: Nahid Islam
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Updated: 24 May 2025, 18: 50

National Citizen Party (NCP) convenor Nahid Islam (2nd from left) speaks at a press conference at the party’s temporary central office in Banglamotor, Dhaka, on 24 May 2025 to brief the current political situation. Prothom Alo

National Citizen Party (NCP) has no ties with Adviser for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain and Information Adviser Mahfuj Alam, who have been in the interim government as representatives of students, as well as joined the government on the aftermath of the mass uprising as representatives of that movement.

NCP convenor Nahid Islam made the remarks at a press conference on the contemporary political situations at the NCP’s temporary central office in the capital’s Banglamotor on Saturday afternoon.

Speaking about Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain and Mahfuj Alam, the NCP leader said, “If they want to engage in politics or contest elections, they cannot do so while in the government. In that case, they will have to leave the government and decide independently. But attempts are being made to link them with the NCP as part of propaganda to undermine them. We would say this very deliberate. We condemn and protest the propaganda connecting the two student advisers with the NCP.”

Roadmap on judicial reform, election should be announced

Nahid Islam hoped that head of interim government Professor Muhammad Yunus would remain in office and engage all political sides in discussions to find a solution.

He said a declaration should be announced within the stipulated time in July. Three roadmaps on judiciary, reform, and elections should be announced at the same time. This would raise a sense of reassurance and trust among people and political parties.

He urged the government to announce the July Charter and roadmaps for judiciary, reform, and elections simultaneously.

Yunus not willing to take responsibility for 'controlled election'
Nahid also said Professor Muhammad Yunus doubted that a ‘controlled election’ may happen because of pressure that is being exerted for elections.

He does not want to take responsibility for it. According to Nahid, the chief adviser shared these concerns in their discussions.

Nahid said, “I told Professor Yunus that he must stay in office because the people have expectations based on his promises. He resolves the matter politically.”

Nahid Islam visited the chief adviser’s residence Jamuna on Thursday evening amid rumours of Professor Yunus’s resignation started making the rounds.

Replying to a query on this matter, Nahid Islam said, “Considering the circumstances created by the court, the NBR, and events in front of Jamuna, Professor Yunus think if he is taken hostage or forced to concede to any demand through pressure, he does not agree to that. Secondly, he thinks he took the responsibility after the mass uprising to bring about several fundamental changes in the country. If he cannot implement these fundamental reforms, such as judicial reform, then what is the point of him staying? He is unable to fulfil the promises he made to the people under the current situation.”

Giving political decisions not military’s duty

Replying to another query, Nahid Islam said, “We respect the military. It is an important institution in the country. But it is not their duty to give political decisions. Their duty is to protect the country and ensure national security. They are now on the streets, looking after law and order in times of crisis.”

Referring to the list of 626 people published by the military, Nahid Islam said that had list been published earlier, it would have raised no doubts and fears among the public, and no one could have had the opportunity to speak against such an institution, Nahid Islam observed.

Awami League responsible for disunity

Nahid blamed the Awami League for the current disunity in Bangladesh. He said, “BNP has always talked about elections, but a national election is not our only aspiration after the mass uprising. It is one of major aspirations. We may have political disagreements and ideological differences, but we must reach a place of unity for the sake of the people and the country. We believe this and are ready for dialogue anytime.”

Alleging that attempts are underway to legitimise elections held under the Awami League by going to court, Nahid Islam said they believe this will create chaos. He suggested moving toward local government elections instead of complicating the situation over past elections.

Election commission lost neutrality

The NCP convener also commented that the election commission has lost its neutrality and trust. He added that if it cannot regain public confidence, it is not possible for this commission to conduct a fair election. As a result, the election commission must either try to restore public trust or step down.

NCP not linked to 5-year campaign

NCP’s member secretary Akhtar Hossain also addressed the press conference. Replying to a query, he said, “We do not think that the interim government should stay in power for five years or operate for a long period without delivering. We believe the tenure of this government should depend on the tasks it accomplishes... The NCP as a party has no connection to the ongoing five-year campaign or discussions around it.”

He also urged that whatever decisions the government proceeds with over a relief corridor or a humanitarian corridor, there should be no confusion among people and political parties regarding this.

NCP’s chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari, senior joint convener Samantha Sharmin and Ariful Islam Adeeb and chief organiser for the southern region Hasnat Abdullah, among others, were present at the press briefing.​

 

[Saif]

People will find your replacements: Hasnat to protesting civil servants

National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah has warned that the people will find replacements for civil servants if they continue to disrupt the government’s work. Speaking about the protests within the Secretariat and NBR on Monday, he said: “Let me remind you that during the

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

People will find your replacements: Hasnat to protesting civil servants
bdnews24.com
Published :
May 26, 2025 19:51
Updated :
May 26, 2025 19:51

National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah has warned that the people will find replacements for civil servants if they continue to disrupt the government’s work.

Speaking about the protests within the Secretariat and NBR on Monday, he said: “Let me remind you that during the July Uprising, many of you wore black badges in solidarity with Sheikh Hasina and continued working.

“But now you’re threatening to shut down offices. On the 5th of August, you didn’t dare to act like this. Back then, none of you resigned in protest.”

His comments follow the government’s decision to amend the Public Service Act through an ordinance, approved by the Advisory Council on Thursday and formally issued on Sunday night, despite protests by Secretariat staff throughout the day, continuing into Monday.

Similarly, NBR staff launched a sit-in and pen-down strike following the issuance of the “Revenue Policy and Revenue Management Ordinance, 2025” on May 12, which split the agency into two, effectively dissolving it.

Though these protests were withdrawn on Sunday night after the government assured to consider their demands, the NBR Reform Unity Council has given a three-day ultimatum for the chairman’s removal.

Hasnat said, “Since our independence, the Secretariat has become a regiment of people’s suffering, while the NBR is a breeding ground for corruption.”

“Interpret my statement however you wish, but we speak from within the people and for the people. Let’s be honest, had the fascist regime survived beyond August 5, you would still be working under the same autocratic government without protest.”

He continued, “If you oppose the public and threaten the government for pursuing reforms, remember that the people will not hesitate to find alternatives for you.”

“Did any secretary or officer resign before the 5th of August in protest of the killings of children and civilians in the streets?” he asked.

Accusing the civil servants of actively hindering government initiatives, Abdullah urged them to support the government and the reform agenda.

He advised them to raise discussions for any concerns or comments, instead of holding the government “hostage”.​

 

[Saif]

There will be revolution at Secretariat, NBR or Port: Hannan Masud

Referring to ongoing protests at Secretariat, NBR, and Chattogram Port over various demands, NCP senior joint chief coordinator Abdul Hannan Masud issued a stern warning.

en.prothomalo.com

There will be revolution at Secretariat, NBR or Port: Hannan Masud

Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 26 May 2025, 22: 57

Abdul Hannan Masud Facebook

Referring to the ongoing protests at the Secretariat, National Board of Revenue (NBR), and Chattogram Port over various demands, National Citizen Party (NCP) senior joint chief coordinator Abdul Hannan Masud issued a stern warning.

He said, “To those striking today at the Secretariat, NBR, or the port — I’m telling you, the revolution will happen there too.”

Hannan Masud took to social media platform Facebook on Monday to issue this warning.

Earlier in the morning, while attending a party event in Chattogram, Hasnat Abdullah, the NCP’s chief organiser for the southern region, also issued a harsh warning.

He said that if government employees obstruct the government's work or issue threats, the people themselves will find alternatives. If government officials and employees try to hold the government hostage by resisting reforms, the outcome will not be good.

Hannan Masud wrote on Facebook in the afternoon, “To those striking today at the Secretariat, NBR, or the port — I’m telling you, the revolution will happen there too. You are demanding the freedom to continue corruption and looting, but you won’t get that after the post-2024 period. You have been accomplices in every abduction, murder, corruption, and money laundering incident throughout Hasina’s entire rule. Do not think you have gotten away. Let me repeat: there is no way you will get away. The government must immediately remove these corrupt individuals and take action through an independent commission after a fair investigation.”

It is to mention that the Advisory Council approved the draft of the Government Service (Amendment) Ordinance last Thursday. The amendment allows for quicker and easier disciplinary actions against public servants. Government officers and employees have objected, claiming it contradictory to the constitution. According to them, it is a black law and repressive.

Government officials and staff had gone on protest at the secretariat since Sunday. Despite their objections, the ordinance was issued on Sunday night after receiving the president’s approval.

Meanwhile, NBR employees went on sit-ins and pen-down strikes demanding the withdrawal of the Revenue Policy and Revenue Management Ordinance, 2025, which splits the NBR, since the night of 12 May, the day of the issuing ordinance.

As the government promised to meet their demands, the protesting NBR officers and employees called off all strikes on Sunday night. However, the platform that is leading the protests NBR Reform Unity Council has given the government a three-day ultimatum to remove the chairman of the organisation.

Meanwhile, the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal held protest rallies and demonstrations against the decision to hand over the New Mooring Container Terminal at Chattogram Port to foreign companies.​