Dhaka: The National Citizen Party (NCP) has outlined a political vision for Bangladesh, centering the values of the War of Liberation, inclusive democracy, and the dismantling of authoritarianism and declaring a commitment to institutional reform, cultural coexistence, and a welfare-oriented economy.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the NCP Convener Nahid Islam stated in a Facebook post that the Liberation War is a foundational pillar of the Bangladeshi state, and the party’s vision is guided by the ideals of equality, justice, and human dignity as upheld in 1971 and reflected in the aspirations of the 2024 mass uprising. The NCP emphasized its stance against authoritarian rule, asserting that the abolition of the fascist order and the establishment of a new political settlement is its foremost political duty. Nahid Islam highlighted the need for fundamental reforms of the state and the drafting of a new constitution as the first steps toward dismantling fascism.
The NCP believes that these reforms are crucial to establishing a truly democratic and participatory republic. Without such changes, the party argues, justice, accountability, and inclusive governance will remain out of reach. The NCP advocates for respect for religious diversity and harmony, recognizing the spiritual beliefs of all citizens while promoting the protection of religious, cultural, and civic rights of minority faiths and ethnic communities.
Rejecting sectarian divisions, the NCP clarified its stance against adopting either secularist or theocratic ideologies, aiming instead to build an inclusive democratic state through religious coexistence, harmony, and mutual responsibility. The party underscored its historical continuity with anti-colonial and anti-caste struggles involving Bengali Hindus and Muslims, proposing a shift in national identity from communal to civilizational markers that reflect the plural cultural heritage of the Bengal delta.
In terms of socio-economic vision, the NCP committed to priorities in education, public health, agriculture, urban management, labor rights, and employment. The party also proposed the creation of a ‘Bay of Bengal-centered economic zone’ to position Bangladesh as a regional hub. Women’s empowerment was highlighted as a core priority, with commitments to ensuring women’s access to education, healthcare, security, leadership opportunities, and employment. The NCP also pledged to advocate for fair inheritance rights for women under family law.
In foreign policy, the NCP took a strong stance against regional dominance, particularly warning against Indian hegemony and Hindutva, which it views as cultural and geopolitical threats to Bangladesh. The party aims to promote strategic relationships based on justice, dignity, and national interest while envisioning an egalitarian socio-economic system free from corruption and rooted in justice.
The NCP’s statement signals a transformative political ambition aimed at redefining the state structure, rooting governance in justice, and building a Bangladesh that reflects the ideals of its people’s historic struggles.