Foreign diplomats at an Iftar party organised by newly formed National Citizen's Party in the capital today. Photo: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

DHAKA, Mar 24, 2025 (BSS)- National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Md Nahid Islam has said his party’s reform agenda is ambitious but necessary.
 
He said this at an Iftar hosted by NCP for diplomats at a city hotel today.

“Our reform agenda is ambitious but necessary. We aim to dismantle the culture of impunity that destroyed our institutions. Fundamental restructuring of the political system is very crucial to serve all citizens,” he said.

Nahid added, “We know this journey will be challenging, but we also know Bangladesh is ready. 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.”

“As a political party rooted in this region, we believe that all South Asian countries need relationship built on dignity, justice, mutual respect and national interests- where no country will dominate and every nation’s sovereignty will be respected,” he added.

“We want a new Bangladesh which will uphold the dignity of the people and human rights through political consensus, and we welcome all political parties, civil society to join with us in our next step,” Nahid said.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, US Embassy first secretary (political) Matthew Beh and Deputy Director for Public Engagement Bren Flanigan, Pakistan Deputy High Commissioner Muhammad Wasif and first secretary of the Indian High Commission Gokul VK, Spanish Ambassador Gabriel Maria Sistiaga Ochoa de Chinchetru, Swedish Ambassador Nicolas Weeks, Palestinian Ambassador Yousef SY Ramadan and Kosovo Ambassador to Bangladesh Lulzim Pllana attended the event.

Representatives from the European Union, United Kingdom, Russia, Canada, Spain, Norway, Switzerland, Netherlands, Denmark, Australia, Turkey, Japan, Argentina, Iran, South Korea, Singapore, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Nepal also joined the NCP Iftar.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's Security Affairs Adviser Major General (retd) Fazle Elahi Akbar, Adviser to BNP Acting Chairman Dr Mahdi Amin, AB party General Secretary Asaduzzaman Fuaad, NCP Member Secretary Akhter Hossen were present.

NCP Convener condemned brutal attacks on civilians in Gaza saying “the humanitarian crisis unfolding before our eyes is a stain on our collective conscience. We believe every nation, every responsible political force, must raise voice against this injustice.”

Turning to domestic concerns, Nahid emphasized on mitigating the plight of Rohingya refugees. He highlighted Bangladesh's role in hosting more than a million refugees and called upon the international community to intensify their efforts for a sustainable, dignified solution, ensuring the safe and voluntary repatriation of the refugees.

“Bangladesh has shown immense generosity hosting nearly a million refugees, but it cannot- and should not- bear this burden alone,” he said.

Nahid also pointed out the significant political upheaval in Bangladesh, particularly last July’s historic uprising.

“It was one of the most powerful democratic uprisings of our time, driven by the simple yet profound demand for a new political settlement,” he said.

Bangladesh is a nation born out of struggle, he said, adding, “From the anti-colonial movement of 1947 to the bloody liberation war of 1971, every generation of our people has fought for freedom, dignity, and justice.”

“We stand here today as inheritors of that history, and as a new generation we are determined to fulfill its unfinished promises,” he said.

The uprising, fueled by years of systemic oppression, including enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings under the previous regime, was spearheaded by students and the younger generation, with thousands of protesters either killed or permanently maimed by the government’s brutal crackdown.

In response to the events, Nahid said, “NCP was born out of necessity for new political settlement that can deliver the justice, reform, and constitutional transformation demanded by our people.”

The party’s roadmap focuses on three key pillars: Justice, Reform, and the establishment of a Constituent Assembly, which would also function as the next parliament.
“This Constituent Assembly is essential because the existing constitution is fundamentally flawed. Only a new constitution can lay the foundation of a genuinely democratic state,” he said, adding, “The UN Human Rights report specifically calls for profound structural reforms in Bangladesh.”

“We stand for a Second Republic; a Bangladesh that truly reflects the diversity of its people – a multilingual, multicultural, and inclusive society that finally delivers on its founding promises,” said Nahid.

Nahid Islam concluded his speech by emphasizing that NCP is not just a new political party, but the beginning of a new political culture.

“We urge you to see us not simply as a new party, but as the beginning of a new political culture that is founded on dignity, justice and the collective dreams of our citizens,” he said.