Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has declared that there can be no national election in Bangladesh without implementing the July Charter. He emphasized that “to restore stability in the country, an election is necessary, but essential reforms must be completed first.”
He made the remarks on Wednesday evening after interviewing aspirants for the divisional and metropolitan convening committees of eight districts at Rangpur Tourism Motel.
Nahid Islam said, “The country is facing multiple crises. The fallen autocratic forces are conspiring again. We urgently need national unity. Political parties must resolve their internal disputes and work together. It’s impossible for any single group to form or sustain a government alone. Without minimum consensus among all sides, no government can last.”
He warned that any election held without addressing citizens’ demands for reform and justice would be unsustainable, adding, “For lasting and stable change, certain constitutional amendments are needed. If the government delays or obstructs this process, it will have to face public resistance.”
On the issue of forming political alliances, Nahid Islam noted, “The public has lost faith in old parties. The Awami fascist group has been ousted from the country. The BNP and Jamaat still carry the burden of their past misdeeds and corruption. Therefore, any potential alliance must be based on shared principles—especially agreement on the July Charter, justice, and reform.”
Regarding the July Charter’s implementation, he said, “Significant progress has been made. The second proposal from the Consensus Commission is completely unacceptable. We support the first one with minor revisions. Our demand is to officially publish the July Charter and clarify who will issue the order. According to the recommendation, the interim government will issue it, and a referendum will give the next parliament the authority to draft the reformed 2026 Constitution.”
He also alleged that the BNP initially opposed major reforms and vetoed key proposals in the Consensus Commission but later shifted their stance due to pressure from other parties and the public.
The NCP convener reiterated his four key demands — implementation of the July Charter, publication of a roadmap for genocide trials, creation of a level playing field, and reformation of the Election Commission.
Among those present at the event were Akhtar Hossain, NCP Member Secretary; Sarjis Alam, Chief Organizer (North); Dr. Atik Mujahid, Divisional Organizational Secretary; Asadullah Galib, District Coordinator; and Sadia Farzana Dina, Metropolitan Coordinator, along with other local leaders.