Government should conduct the upcoming election according to the guidelines set by the July Charter, as advocated by Nahid.
Bangladesh's National Citizen Party Insists on Comprehensive Reforms Before National Election
The National Citizen Party (NCP) in Bangladesh has reiterated its demand for comprehensive judicial reforms and the fulfillment of the July Charter as a precondition for the next national election. The party, led by Convenor Nahid Islam, maintains that any election without these reforms would undermine true democracy.
On August 2, 2025, during a press conference held at the party's temporary office in the capital's Banglamotor, Nahid Islam emphasized the critical role of justice reforms in ensuring electoral credibility. He called on the government to resolve the issue of the July Charter by August 5 and urged the interim government to hold the next national election based on the July Charter.
The NCP's election manifesto, unveiled on August 3, outlines broad structural reforms aligned with the demands under the July Charter. These reforms encompass systemic changes in governance, law enforcement, and economic sectors as prerequisites for a fair election.
Nahid Islam also addressed recent allegations of extortion involving student leaders, stating that those found involved must be held accountable and face appropriate punishment. He further requested that the July Charter be finalised by August 5.
The July Declaration, which may be officially announced on August 5, according to the government, is a critical part of the process for the NCP. The party demands that the July Declaration be included in both the preamble and schedules of the Constitution, reflecting their broader agenda for a "second republic" founded on justice and systemic reform.
In light of potential public inconvenience due to an HSC exam and a Chhatra Dal program in Dhaka tomorrow, Nahid acknowledged the situation and expressed gratitude towards Chhatra Dal for relocating their event upon his request due to the overlap of two programs in the same area.
However, the Consensus Commission has yet to clarify how the matters raised in the note of dissent will be addressed. The NCP continues to lead a struggle linking justice reforms directly to electoral credibility, and has warned of renewed street protests if justice and reforms are not ensured before any election is conducted.
The National Citizen Party (NCP) in Bangladesh, insisting on comprehensive judicial reforms and the fulfillment of the July Charter as a precondition for the next national election, is actively pushing for policy-and-legislation changes. During a press conference, the party's leader, Nahid Islam, emphasized the importance of resolving the issue of the July Charter and inclusion of the July Declaration in both the preamble and schedules of the Constitution, reflecting their broader agenda for a "second republic". Moreover, the NCP's election manifesto outlines significant structural reforms, encompassing the governance, law enforcement, and economic sectors, calling for electoral credibility based on these reforms.
