United News of Bangladesh

National Citizens' Party (NCP) Convenor Nahid Islam on Saturday said that elections would be ineffective without prior reforms, stressing the need for constitutional amendments through a Constituent Assembly for sustainable change. “We have discussed reforms and reiterated our stance on constitutional amendments. We believe that any fundamental changes to the constitution must be undertaken through a Constituent Assembly; otherwise, such reforms will not be sustainable,” he told journalists following a roundtable discussion on reform proposals. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, representatives from political parties, the National Consensus Commission and other stakeholders attended the dialogue.  In response to a question, Nahid said, “Though we view elections as part of the reform process, elections will serve no purpose without reforms.”  He emphasised that the NCP’s position on reforms is rooted in post-uprising circumstances under which the government was formed. Reforms: Guterres holds talks with political leaders, Consensus Building Commission "Reforms and justice are among its key commitments to the people. Therefore, fundamental reforms must be initiated during this government's tenure, and all political parties must reach a consensus—something that is being referred to as the ‘July Charter’,” he said.  Highlighting the need for a Constituent Assembly election, Nahid said that the upcoming national election should also include elections for a legislative body and the assembly. He also stressed the importance of ensuring justice and expressed appreciation for the UN’s role in supporting Bangladesh’s reform process, particularly in the aftermath of the July uprising.  Nahid reiterated that the NCP has called for the swift implementation of the July Charter and insisted that constitutional reforms should be carried out through a Constituent Assembly. “Amending the constitution solely through Parliament will not be sustainable,” he noted.  Nahid Islam said, “We have conveyed our party’s position. The UN Secretary-General, from his standpoint, has encouraged Bangladesh’s political parties and the government to reach a consensus and uphold the true essence of democracy by working together in unity.”

A much talked about new political organisation styled ‘National Citizens' Party (NCP),’ is set to be officially launched Friday afternoon at a rally in Dhaka, in the spirit of the July-August uprising. Preparations for the stage began on Thursday afternoon at Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka with the final touches were still going on Friday morning. The formal announcement of the party, formed by the National Citizens' Committee and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, is scheduled to be held at 3pm at the designated venue. Ahead of the event, an extensive setup was underway on the streets and sidewalks in front of the Parliament Complex. This morning, workers were seen working on the stage. A medical team will be present at the event along with a continuous water supply and special security arrangements for women. President accepts Nahid’s resignation letter Organisers expect a gathering of over five lakh people at the venue. They obtained permission from Dhaka Metropolitan Police and a three-tier security system will be in place. High profile political figures including BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir were invited to attend the official launching ceremony, said the organisers. Sources said that leadership for the positions of Senior Joint Convener and Senior Joint Member Secretary remains undecided due to multiple candidates vying for the roles. Resigned to fulfill promises of popular uprising: Nahid Meanwhile, Nahid Islam, a prominent figure in July movement, has recently resigned as adviser of the interim government to take charge of the new political party.