Dhaka: National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam today declared that the party will only proceed towards elections once the July Charter is swiftly implemented. “There is no scope for any ‘note of dissent’ in the charter. What has been agreed upon through consensus will remain, the rest will be decided by the people,” Nahid articulated during a discussion marking the launch of the University Teachers’ Forum (UTF) at the Poet Shamsur Rahman Auditorium of Bangla Academy this afternoon. The NCP chief called for the Chief Adviser’s intervention to ensure the implementation of the July Charter.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Nahid Islam expressed optimism that the forthcoming elections would be conducted based on the legal framework of the July Charter, which embodies the aspirations of the student-led mass uprising. He emphasized the need for the next parliament and reform council to include youth, teachers, women, minorities, and professionals from various sectors, ensuring the fulfillment of the July Charter’s spirit.
Reiterating previous statements, Nahid stated, “We have made it clear that the order for the July Charter must be issued by Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Before the election, our priority remains holding the referendum as demanded.” He also insisted that all participants of the July uprising should have representation in the upcoming parliament, which would establish a reform council dedicated to drafting a new constitution.
Nahid highlighted the crucial role of teachers in the July uprising, asserting their necessary involvement in the reform process. “Teachers must be part of that process, and NCP will make sure of their participation,” he added. He recalled the contribution of teachers, noting that for the past 16 years, academic promotions were influenced by political allegiance, perpetuating fascist structures. He urged for a transformation in societal mindset to eradicate fascism.
The event also saw the announcement of the central convening committee of the University Teachers’ Forum (UTF), with Dhaka University Professor Md Sirajul Islam appointed as Convener and Dhaka International University Professor Shamim Hamidi as Member Secretary. The UTF declaration was presented by Professor Sirajul Islam, with contributions from teachers of various universities during the discussion.