NCP pledges to steer clear of past mistakes, sets sights on a reform-focused agenda

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has pledged to break with Bangladesh’s troubled political traditions, vowing to avoid the opportunistic compromises once struck by the Freedom Party with General Ershad and the rash, destabilizing tactics that weakened JASAD.

This declaration came during a two-day general meeting at the party’s temporary central office in Banglamotor, Dhaka, where nearly 150 leaders gathered for over 17 hours of deliberation on strategy, discipline, the July district-level campaign, and the roadmap toward a new constitution.

At the meeting, NCP leaders reaffirmed their goal of forming a constituent assembly through democratic elections to draft a fresh constitution, stressing the importance of remaining “clear and honest” in both principle and practice.

The party reviewed its month-long marches across 60 districts in July, while acknowledging that events in Gopalganj, Madaripur, Shariatpur, Feni, Noakhali, and Lakshmipur were postponed due to safety concerns or unforeseen incidents—including the July 16 clash in Gopalganj and the July 21 Air Force crash near Uttara. Leaders confirmed that new dates will be announced shortly.

Participants also revisited the July Declaration, issued on August 5 to mark People’s Uprising Day. Many felt the statement did not fully capture the movement’s aspirations and called for a sharper, more ambitious reform agenda.

Debate further touched on the controversy over five NCP leaders visiting Cox’s Bazar on the same symbolic date. While some criticized the decision, others denounced what they described as undue media attention and surveillance targeting the party.

Responding to speculation about election delays, NCP leaders emphasized that their priority is advancing the July Reform Charter and pursuing systemic change.

“We will not repeat the mistakes of the past,” the party declared. “We are not here to compromise like the Freedom Party or act impulsively like JASAD. We are here to build a democratic republic grounded in integrity and structural reform.”

Leaders concluded by underscoring that the party’s future rests on justice, constitutional reform, and a constituent assembly empowered by the people’s mandate.