Saturday, 12 July, 2025
A new political party, the National Citizen Party (NCP), has been officially launched by young leaders who played a pivotal role in mass protests against Sheikh Hasina’s government. The party emerged from movements such as the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the National Citizen Committee.
The formal announcement took place on Friday, February 28, at a grand rally on Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka, where Mim Akter, sister of July martyr Ismail Hossain Rabbi, declared the party’s formation.
At the event, Mim Akter also unveiled the party’s top leadership, appointing Nahid Islam as convener and Akhtar Hossain as member secretary. Akhtar Hossain had previously served as member secretary of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, a civic platform led by the July uprising leaders.
During the rally, NCP convener Nahid Islam read out the party’s official declaration, outlining a transformative political and economic vision for Bangladesh. The centerpiece of this vision is the drafting of a new democratic constitution aimed at dismantling constitutional autocracy and establishing a 'Second Republic.'
The party pledged to convene an elected constituent assembly tasked with drafting the new constitution, ensuring democratic governance and preventing the concentration of power in the hands of a ruling elite.
The NCP, which has its roots in student-led movements, was founded by Jatiya Nagorik Committee and Students Against Discrimination. These groups had been at the forefront of the 'anti-fascism' movement that led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government following a historic student-mass uprising.
At the launch event, Akhtar Hossain announced a partial central committee, appointing:
A Grand Inauguration in Dhaka
Thousands of people, particularly students, gathered on Manik Mia Avenue to witness the launch of the NCP.
The event began at 4:20 PM with recitations from Holy Scriptures, followed by the national anthem and a moment of silence in honor of the martyrs of the July uprising.
Among the prominent political leaders present were: Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General, Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, BNP Joint Secretary General, Prof. Mia Golam Parwar, Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami, Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Chairman of Nagarik Oikya, Junaid Saki, Chief Coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolon, Akbar Khan, Leader of Biplobi Workers Partym Ashraf Ali Akand, Presidium Member of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Ahmad Ali Qasemi, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Hefazat-e-Islam, Dr. Mostafizur Rahman Iran, Chairman of Bangladesh Labour Part and Sakhawat Hossain Razi, Secretary General of Islami Oikyajote.
Additionally, leaders from Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh, Bangladesh LDP, Khelafat Majlis, Development Party, AB Party, and Jamaat-e-Islami Dhaka City South also attended.
Foreign dignitaries present included Kevin S. Randall, Ambassador of the Vatican City to Bangladesh and Kamran Dhangal, Counselor of the Pakistan High Commission.
The NCP’s official declaration envisions a Second Republic that guarantees democracy, human dignity, social justice, and economic fairness.
“The only way to prevent a return to dictatorship is to dismantle the existing system and draft a new constitution that permanently safeguards people’s rights and prevents power from being concentrated in the hands of the ruling elite,” Nahid Islam stated in his declaration speech.
Key highlights of NCP’s vision include:
???? A New Constitution: Drafted through an elected constituent assembly to replace the current system, which the party claims has repeatedly enabled authoritarian rule.
???? Rebuilding Institutions: Political, economic, and social institutions will be reformed to serve the common people rather than entrenched political and corporate interests.
???? A Corruption-Free Government: The party vows to eliminate nepotism and favoritism, ensuring that governance is based on competence and merit.
???? Inclusion of Marginalized Communities: The Second Republic will give a political voice to those previously excluded from national decision-making.
???? Economic Reforms:
???? National Security & Sovereignty: The party envisions a strong national defense system to protect Bangladesh’s sovereignty and interests.
???? Regional & Global Influence: The NCP aims to foster regional cooperation and build international partnerships to position Bangladesh as a strong regional power.
???? Science, Technology & Innovation: The NCP advocates for a technology-driven economy that encourages innovation and scientific advancement.
The NCP’s declaration urges citizens to unite in the struggle for democracy, justice, and equality.
“We must eliminate all possibilities of restoring constitutional autocracy. Now is the time to dream anew, march forward, and build a new Bangladesh,” the party stated in its final call to action.
With a vision centered on radical political reform, economic equity, and democratic governance, the NCP positions itself as a transformative force in Bangladesh’s political landscape.
As the party embarks on its mission to establish the Second Republic, all eyes are now on how it will translate its bold promises into political action.
Comments
A new political party, the National Citizen Party (NCP), has been officially launched by young leaders who played a pivotal role in mass protests against Sheikh Hasina’s government. The party emerged from movements such as the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the National Citizen Committee.
The formal announcement took place on Friday, February 28, at a grand rally on Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka, where Mim Akter, sister of July martyr Ismail Hossain Rabbi, declared the party’s formation.
At the event, Mim Akter also unveiled the party’s top leadership, appointing Nahid Islam as convener and Akhtar Hossain as member secretary. Akhtar Hossain had previously served as member secretary of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, a civic platform led by the July uprising leaders.
During the rally, NCP convener Nahid Islam read out the party’s official declaration, outlining a transformative political and economic vision for Bangladesh. The centerpiece of this vision is the drafting of a new democratic constitution aimed at dismantling constitutional autocracy and establishing a 'Second Republic.'
The party pledged to convene an elected constituent assembly tasked with drafting the new constitution, ensuring democratic governance and preventing the concentration of power in the hands of a ruling elite.
The NCP, which has its roots in student-led movements, was founded by Jatiya Nagorik Committee and Students Against Discrimination. These groups had been at the forefront of the 'anti-fascism' movement that led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government following a historic student-mass uprising.
At the launch event, Akhtar Hossain announced a partial central committee, appointing:
A Grand Inauguration in Dhaka
Thousands of people, particularly students, gathered on Manik Mia Avenue to witness the launch of the NCP.
The event began at 4:20 PM with recitations from Holy Scriptures, followed by the national anthem and a moment of silence in honor of the martyrs of the July uprising.
Among the prominent political leaders present were: Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General, Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, BNP Joint Secretary General, Prof. Mia Golam Parwar, Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami, Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Chairman of Nagarik Oikya, Junaid Saki, Chief Coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolon, Akbar Khan, Leader of Biplobi Workers Partym Ashraf Ali Akand, Presidium Member of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Ahmad Ali Qasemi, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Hefazat-e-Islam, Dr. Mostafizur Rahman Iran, Chairman of Bangladesh Labour Part and Sakhawat Hossain Razi, Secretary General of Islami Oikyajote.
Additionally, leaders from Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh, Bangladesh LDP, Khelafat Majlis, Development Party, AB Party, and Jamaat-e-Islami Dhaka City South also attended.
Foreign dignitaries present included Kevin S. Randall, Ambassador of the Vatican City to Bangladesh and Kamran Dhangal, Counselor of the Pakistan High Commission.
The NCP’s official declaration envisions a Second Republic that guarantees democracy, human dignity, social justice, and economic fairness.
“The only way to prevent a return to dictatorship is to dismantle the existing system and draft a new constitution that permanently safeguards people’s rights and prevents power from being concentrated in the hands of the ruling elite,” Nahid Islam stated in his declaration speech.
Key highlights of NCP’s vision include:
???? A New Constitution: Drafted through an elected constituent assembly to replace the current system, which the party claims has repeatedly enabled authoritarian rule.
???? Rebuilding Institutions: Political, economic, and social institutions will be reformed to serve the common people rather than entrenched political and corporate interests.
???? A Corruption-Free Government: The party vows to eliminate nepotism and favoritism, ensuring that governance is based on competence and merit.
???? Inclusion of Marginalized Communities: The Second Republic will give a political voice to those previously excluded from national decision-making.
???? Economic Reforms:
???? National Security & Sovereignty: The party envisions a strong national defense system to protect Bangladesh’s sovereignty and interests.
???? Regional & Global Influence: The NCP aims to foster regional cooperation and build international partnerships to position Bangladesh as a strong regional power.
???? Science, Technology & Innovation: The NCP advocates for a technology-driven economy that encourages innovation and scientific advancement.
The NCP’s declaration urges citizens to unite in the struggle for democracy, justice, and equality.
“We must eliminate all possibilities of restoring constitutional autocracy. Now is the time to dream anew, march forward, and build a new Bangladesh,” the party stated in its final call to action.
With a vision centered on radical political reform, economic equity, and democratic governance, the NCP positions itself as a transformative force in Bangladesh’s political landscape.
As the party embarks on its mission to establish the Second Republic, all eyes are now on how it will translate its bold promises into political action.
Comments
