The National Citizen Party (NCP) will sign the July Charter only if the government ensures the inclusion of National Consensus Commission (NCC) recommendations on constitutional reform, and the annulment of the note of dissent in the July Charter Implementation Order.
NCP Convener Nahid Islam made the announcement while speaking to journalists at a meeting in Rajshahi on Tuesday, held at the Tourism Motel to select convening committees for NCP’s metropolitan and district units under the Rajshahi Division.
He outlined several conditions under which the party would sign the charter.
Nahid said, “There will be no such thing as a note of dissent in the July Charter Implementation Order. The issues on which the NCC has reached an agreement on constitutional reform will go to a referendum, and the people will give their verdict.
“It must be ensured that those matters are amended in the constitution accordingly.”
He continued, “Secondly, we have said that the order must be issued by Professor Muhammad Yunus from the legal standpoint of the July mass uprising, and the order will be approved through a referendum.
“Therefore, if the government ensures these matters in the implementation process of the July Charter, the NCP will sign it. Before the election, the trial roadmap for those responsible for the July massacre must be announced. The trial process against members of the armed forces must continue.”
Stating that the NCP has not yet decided to join any alliance, Nahid said, “If we take a decision, it will come from a principled position.
“Joining hands with anyone who stands against reform, or against the new aspirations of Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty, will require serious consideration. We are a new political party. The people have many expectations of us, and we want to stand with our distinct identity.”
The NCP convener also said, “There is a conspiracy centring the election. The Awami League and foreign powers are trying to foil the polls. The 14-party alliance is trying to rehabilitate the Awami League.
“There will be no caretaker government under the old system. The election will be held under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus.”
On the issue of the party’s electoral symbol, Nahid said, “To obstruct political activities and the election, the NCP is being denied the Shapla (Water Lily) symbol.
“The Election Commission is acting arbitrarily by not allocating the symbol. If it must be achieved politically, we will do so through street movement.”
Earlier, NCP’s Chief Organiser for the northern region, Sarjis Alam, said the Awami League and India-opposing politics cannot be effectively led by Jamaat-e-Islami or BNP, nor can they lead movements to end extortion.
He stated, “Metropolitan and district convening committees of the party will be formed. The NCP aims to contest the upcoming national election as a strong political force and to be represented in parliament.”
