The National Citizen Party (NCP) on Sunday unveiled a 24-point manifesto titled “New Bangladesh” pledging to establish a ‘Second Republic’ through sweeping political, legal and administrative reforms.

The manifesto was unveiled by NCP convener Nahid Islam during a public rally at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka, marking the first anniversary of last year’s July Uprising.

“Our party’s birth, our struggle, is rooted in the people’s dream for a new Bangladesh,” Nahid said. “Exactly one year ago, from this place, we vowed to free this nation from tyranny. Today, we present a 24-point charter to shape a democratic, just and inclusive republic.”

The first point of the manifesto calls for a new constitution through a people’s constituent assembly to formally launch a “Second Republic.” It promises to abolish authoritarian, dynastic and fascist political structures and build an inclusive state that guarantees dignity, livelihood and rights for all.

The second point demands full recognition of the July uprising, justice for those killed or injured, and accountability for crimes committed during what the party describes as the era of 'Awami fascism', including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and what they call the Shapla Chattar (Hefazot e Islam) and BDR massacres.

NCP also called for deep electoral reforms, including a new law governing the Election Commission, provisions for state-funded elections, and measures to reduce the influence of black money in politics.

On governance, the party pledged to transform state institutions into neutral, transparent and citizen-serving bodies. It proposed increased powers and independence for constitutional institutions to counter executive overreach.

Judicial reforms include establishing a financially independent judicial secretariat, increasing the number of courts and judges to reduce backlog, digitising court records, and ensuring legal aid for the poor. The manifesto also proposes limiting defamation cases to complaints only by directly affected individuals.

The fifth point focused on eliminating political interference in the bureaucracy and enhancing efficiency through merit-based recruitment, professional training and digital governance. A special law protecting whistleblowers was also proposed.

In a strong stance against abuse of law enforcement, the party pledged to abolish the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), reform colonial-era police laws, make body cameras mandatory for officers on duty, and establish an independent police commission. It also proposed community-based policing and human rights-focused training.

Other notable commitments include: establishment of 'Gram Parliament' (village parliament) and decentralisation of local government, strengthening press freedom and civil society institutions, universal healthcare and education reforms aligned with national development goals, promotion of research, innovation and technological advancement, equal rights and recognition of religious, ethnic and gender minorities, ensuring women's safety, rights and empowerment, pro-people and welfare-oriented economic model, focused job creation, industrial policy and trade diversification, sustainable agriculture and food sovereignty, protection of workers’ and farmers’ rights, enhancing domestic control over national resources, modern urban, housing and transport policy, green technology for climate resilience and river-ocean protection, recognition and rights for expatriate Bangladeshis, sovereign foreign policy aligned with national interest and a modern defense strategy

Nahid urged all citizens to come together to turn this vision into reality. "The Second Republic will be built not through promises alone, but through collective commitment and action," he said.