Banglamotor: National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam today announced that his party is advocating for the next national election to be held in February, contingent on the collective implementation of the July Charter and ensuring its complete legal legitimacy.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Nahid made these remarks during a press conference at the party's central office. He emphasized that the decision to hold a referendum on Election Day or before should be left to the government and Election Commission, depending on their administrative and law-and-order capabilities. Nahid stressed the importance of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus formally proclaiming the July Charter to ensure a unified and legally sound election process in February.
Nahid addressed the ongoing confusion and debates surrounding the timing of the referendum, noting that disagreements between BNP and Jamaat are unnecessary and should not cause division. He urged all political parties to unite in implementing the July Charter to ensure a peaceful transition, highlighting that the agreed-upon reform process must be executed collectively.
He reiterated the NCP's support for the Consensus Commission's proposals on constitutional and institutional reforms, which include forming an upper house, reintroducing a caretaker government, and making appointments to constitutional and judicial offices. Nahid suggested that these reforms should be endorsed through a referendum, with the government deciding the specific questions to present to the public.
Furthermore, Nahid clarified that while the NCP views elections and reforms as interconnected yet distinct processes, the party remains open to alliances with groups sharing its core objectives. These objectives include building an inclusive democratic Bangladesh, liberating the nation from fascism and foreign domination, and completing structural reforms. However, Nahid emphasized that unity with any party opposing reform is not possible.