The National Citizen Party (NCP) has announced a set of internal reforms aimed at decentralising power within the party and promoting democratic practices.
At a press conference held Friday evening at the party’s temporary headquarters in Banglamotor, Dhaka, Secretary General Akhtar Hossain said both the president and general secretary of the central committee will be elected directly by national councilors and will be limited to two terms in their lifetime.
“The president and general secretary will be chosen through a national council vote. No individual may serve more than two terms in either role during their lifetime,” Akhtar stated, adding that the move reflects the party’s commitment to dismantling long-standing traditions of political monopolisation.
Ahead of the national election, the party expects to enroll between 2,000 and 2,500 national councilors from across the country. The council will consist of members drawn from the central and district-level committees, executive bodies of affiliate organisations, and representatives from Upazila units.
Akhtar also announced the formation of a political council comprising a minimum of 11 and a maximum of 15 members, at least three of whom will be women. The president and general secretary will serve on this body ex officio, while two members will be nominated by them.
The council will serve as an accountability mechanism for the top leadership.
The NCP’s draft constitution was passed during the party’s sixth meeting, though Akhtar noted that the convening committee reserves the right to make further amendments before the next national council session.
Addressing recent online attacks, the party strongly condemned defamatory remarks targeting its female members. “Women’s security is non-negotiable if we want a safer Bangladesh,” said Sarjis Alam, chief organiser for NCP’s northern region.
He added that the party would file reports against individuals engaged in cyberbullying and character assassination.