The National Citizen Party (NCP) organised an iftar gathering to mark its first founding anniversary on Saturday at the Abahani Sporting Ground in the capital. Alongside party leaders and activists from central and grassroots levels, leaders from various political parties were also present.
Speaking as the chief guest, NCP convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam said that over the past year, NCP has progressed through various experiences. In his words, “Not only NCP, but all of Bangladesh has gone through versatile experiences in the post-mass uprising period. Embracing that time, the leadership needed to move the country forward, and NCP has tried to fulfill that responsibility from its position.”
He stated that this year’s anniversary theme is: “The country will move on a new path, fascism will never return.” They believe the country has emerged from fascist rule; the goal now is to fully establish democracy. He informed that the movement for necessary reforms, implementation of the July Charter, and enforcement of the referendum verdict will continue.
Nahid Islam said that justice is extremely important in eliminating fascism. NCP is and will remain vocal in demanding justice for those involved in genocide, enforced disappearances, and murders. He further stated that another key theme of the party is “Revolution, Alternative, and Reconstruction.” In his view, the power of the revolution has given birth to alternative leadership that seeks to rebuild Bangladesh anew.
Highlighting the political context behind the party, he mentioned the 2013 Hefazat-e-Islam movement, the 2018 quota reform and safe road movement, the anti-VAT movement, the Pilkhana massacre, and the continuity of the anti-discrimination student movement. According to him, NCP was born on 28 February 2025, against the backdrop of these events. The mass uprising is their root.
Regarding future programmes, he mentioned the upcoming local government elections. Expressing hope for swift election arrangements, he called upon party leaders and activists to prepare. He also noted the goal of increasing political achievements in the future by strengthening grassroots organisation.
He informed that although the party won six seats in the last election, it is not satisfied and will work towards greater success in the future. He also expressed hope for forming the Reform Council and parliamentary approval of laws and ordinances issued by the interim government.
Concluding his speech, he thanked the general voters for their support in the election and sought everyone’s cooperation in building a discrimination-free, democratic Bangladesh.
A 3-minute 45-second documentary was screened by NCP at the event. It highlighted various aspects of the party’s journey, from the July movement to establishing itself as a political party, its role in reform commissions, and participation in the national election.
Earlier, joining the event as a guest, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed in his speech said that the emergence of a new political force in the democratic arena will make the country’s politics more dynamic and vibrant. He greeted the leaders of various political parties present, including Jamaat-e-Islami’s Secretary General, and expressed optimism about NCP’s journey from its inception.
He said that although he could not personally attend the day NCP started its journey as a political party, he watched the event on television and was inspired by it. In his view, youth participation in politics will dignify the country’s political culture and play a vital role in shaping future leadership.
The minister noted that NCP securing six seats in the national parliament through electoral alliance is a significant achievement for the party. He expressed hope that this number could increase in the future. However, he remarked that success in politics does not come overnight; one must move forward accepting ups and downs.
Salahuddin Ahmed further stated that the present and future generations want politics that embodies people’s expectations and demands. Politics must focus on building the future, not remaining confined to past history. He expressed hope that NCP would play an effective role in realising the aspirations of the martyrs of the July 2024 student-public uprising.
Also present at the iftar gathering were poet and philosopher Farhad Mazhar, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar, AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Manju, and Shipping, Rail, Bridge and Road Transport Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam.
Additionally, NCP Member Secretary and Rangpur-4 MP Akhter Hossain, Chief Organizer (Northern Region) Sarjis Alam, Chief Organizer (Southern Region) Hasnat Abdullah, Spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sojib Bhuiya, Senior Joint Convener Ariful Islam Adib, Senior Joint Chief Coordinator Abdul Hannan Masud, along with central leaders and leaders from various districts, participated.
