NCP Convenor Nahid Islam has declared a firm stance against the re-emergence of authoritarianism in Bangladesh, stating that all possible routes for fascism will be blocked to pave the way for a democratic future.
NCP Convenor Nahid Islam has declared a firm stance against the re-emergence of authoritarianism in Bangladesh, stating that all possible routes for fascism will be blocked to pave the way for a democratic future.
Speaking at a dialogue with the National Consensus Commission held at the LD Hall of the National Parliament on Saturday at 10:30 AM, National Citizens’ Party (NCP) Convenor Nahid Islam emphasized the urgency of national unity and constitutional reform to prevent the return of autocratic governance in the country.
“This time, the opportunity before our nation demands a national consensus and a July Charter,” he said in his opening remarks. “We must collectively commit to ensuring that no path remains for another fascist regime to rise again in Bangladesh. We aim to move forward by establishing a democratic constitution and inclusive state structure.”
Referring to the people’s uprising of July 2024, which he claimed led to the fall of a 16-year authoritarian regime, Nahid Islam said the movement had laid the foundation for today’s dialogue. “The blood and sacrifices of thousands created this political moment. That uprising wasn’t about replacing one leader or party with another. It was about transforming the entire state structure to ensure people’s rights.”
As a newly formed political force born from the July uprising, the NCP aims to eliminate fascism and establish a new political order rooted in structural change. “Our foundation lies in the youth of this country,” he asserted.
A former advisor to the interim government, Nahid acknowledged the past failures of popular movements, including the 1990 mass uprising, due to a lack of fundamental reforms. “That failure gave rise to 16 years of fascism. We must ensure that the aspirations created by the July uprising are fulfilled. This is our collective promise to the nation.”
Addressing state reform, he stated that the NCP envisions fundamental changes in the constitution, judiciary, election system, and the powers of the Prime Minister. “We’ve seen how our institutions were politicized, and the constitution planted seeds of one-man dominance. Without deep structural reform, any government in power could fall into authoritarian tendencies.”
Nahid also acknowledged the policy recommendations sent by the National Consensus Commission. “In most areas, we’ve reached an agreement. In others, we’ve shared our constructive suggestions. We thank the commission for facilitating today’s in-depth discussion.”
The NCP, according to Nahid, stands for systemic change, not surface-level adjustments, as the country seeks a fresh democratic beginning.
LND/BG
