Dhaka: National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Md Nahid Islam has said his party’s reform agenda is ambitious but necessary. He made these remarks during an Iftar event hosted by NCP for diplomats at a city hotel today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Nahid explained the necessity of dismantling the culture of impunity that has eroded the nation’s institutions. He emphasized the importance of fundamentally restructuring the political system to serve all citizens effectively. “Our people seek not just change, but a dignified Bangladesh – a nation to be respected globally for its commitment to justice, democracy, and human dignity,” Nahid stated.
Nahid further highlighted the need for a new relationship among South Asian countries, centered on dignity, justice, mutual respect, and sovereignty, rather than domination. He extended an invitation to all political parties and civil society to join NCP in its mission to create a new Bangladesh that upholds human rights and political consensus.
The event was attended by several diplomats, including Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, US Embassy first secretary (political) Matthew Beh, and representatives from various other countries such as the European Union, United Kingdom, Russia, Canada, and more.
During the gathering, Nahid condemned the attacks on civilians in Gaza, urging nations and political forces to speak out against the injustice. He also addressed the plight of Rohingya refugees, praising Bangladesh’s role in hosting over a million refugees and calling for international cooperation for their safe repatriation.
Nahid referenced Bangladesh’s historic political upheaval, including last July’s significant uprising driven by demands for a new political settlement. He pointed to the systemic oppression, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings that fueled the unrest, emphasizing that NCP was born out of necessity for justice and reform.
The party’s roadmap focuses on justice, reform, and the establishment of a Constituent Assembly, which would serve as the nation’s next parliament. Nahid called for a new constitution to establish a genuinely democratic state and fulfill the UN Human Rights report’s call for structural reforms in Bangladesh.
Concluding his speech, Nahid highlighted NCP’s role in fostering a new political culture founded on dignity, justice, and the collective dreams of Bangladesh’s citizens. “We urge you to see us not simply as a new party, but as the beginning of a new political culture,” he said.