The National Citizen Party (NCP) has unveiled an extensive election manifesto in a nationwide address on BTV, vowing to dismantle decades of inequality and impunity to establish an “insaf-based” (justice-oriented) state.
The party’s blueprint for reform aims to overhaul Bangladesh’s political, economic, and institutional structures, which it argues have long benefited a small elite while marginalising workers and local communities.
According to the party, the post-independence social order, built on entrenched discrimination, effectively collapsed during the July 2024 mass uprising.
The NCP contends that inequality has permeated every facet of national life, from law enforcement and judiciary to economic opportunity and social status.
Accountability and asset recovery
Central to the NCP’s platform is a commitment to accountability for alleged abuses committed during 15 years of “fascist rule” under Sheikh Hasina.
The party has pledged to identify and prosecute all officials – including those in the civil administration, intelligence agencies, and judiciary – involved in enforced disappearances, killings, and torture.
Insisting that no individual will be granted immunity, the NCP promised to dismantle the prevailing culture of impunity.
On the economic front, the party highlighted the siphoning of approximately $234 billion abroad during the previous regime, citing a white paper led by economist Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya.
The NCP criticised the current interim administration for failing to recover these funds. If elected, the party intends to pursue legal avenues for repatriation, tax and confiscate domestic properties of those responsible, and place seized wealth under a professionally managed public trust.
Foreign policy and security overhaul
The NCP has proposed a significant shift in foreign relations, accusing the previous government of a “subservient” policy focused on India that compromised national sovereignty.
The party pledged a balanced and independent foreign policy, aiming to reduce over-reliance on any single nation while reviving SAARC and strengthening ties with Asean and Muslim-majority countries.
Regarding national security, the address outlined a transition to a technology-driven, high-tech defence force. Notably, the NCP proposed mandatory military training for all able citizens over the age of 18 to bolster nationwide defence capacity.
Furthermore, the party intends to restructure the police into a decentralised, community-oriented service with local recruitment and gender parity.
Economic and judicial reforms
To combat the rising cost of living, the NCP promised to break the “syndicates” of corrupt business and political figures it blames for market manipulation. The party’s economic plan includes expanding fair-price outlets, supporting new entrepreneurs, and digitising market systems to stabilise prices.
Judicial reforms will focus on ending political influence, bribery, and delays. The NCP pledged to increase the number of judges, digitise the court system, and establish courts at the upazila level to ensure quicker access to justice.
Additionally, the party proposed raising education spending to 5 per cent of GDP and banning private practice by government doctors to improve public healthcare accountability.
Governance and social protection
The manifesto places a heavy emphasis on decentralisation, proposing that most service delivery – including health, education, and agriculture – be devolved to local governments. The central government would retain control over defence, foreign affairs, and national infrastructure.
The NCP also reaffirmed its commitment to the rights of religious and ethnic minorities, promising equal protection and freedom of belief.
It pledged zero tolerance for gender-based violence and food adulteration, alongside plans to review and renegotiate power and energy contracts deemed contrary to the public interest.
In its closing appeal, the NCP urged voters to support its 11-party alliance in the upcoming election on 12 February. The party framed the contest as a critical choice between continued domination and the restoration of public control over the state.
