Nahid Islam, the Convener of the National Citizens` Party (NCP), has declared that no elections will be held in Bangladesh until fundamental reforms are carried out.
He emphasized that the upcoming elections, following the mass uprising, must take place only after necessary changes are implemented.
Speaking at a street rally organized by the NCP’s Jamalpur district chapter at Fouzderi Mor in the municipal area around 12:30 p.m. on Monday (July 28), Nahid stated, “We aim to participate in the next elections only after the completion of major reforms. Those calling for elections now should remember—had Sheikh Hasina remained in power, they would have had to wait another four years. There will be no elections until reforms are finalized.”
He underscored that reform and the adoption of a new constitution are among the key demands of their democratic movement.
“Outdated laws must be revised, and true democracy must be established in Bangladesh,” he said. “We want a non-partisan Election Commission, a non-partisan police force, a non-partisan administration, and a neutral judiciary.”
The NCP leader also called for a restructuring of the national parliament. “Parliament must be divided into two chambers, with the upper house determined based on the proportion of votes.
This would ensure a balance of power and accountability. The prime minister would no longer hold absolute authority—those in the government would share power as per their vote share,” Nahid explained. He noted that a consensus on the structure of the upper house has yet to be reached, which is why the “July Charter” remains stalled.
Senior NCP leaders including Joint Secretary Tasnim Zarah, Lutfor Rahman, and representatives from affiliated organizations and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement also addressed the rally.
Highlighting local issues, Nahid said, “Jamalpur suffers from numerous problems—from river erosion to land grabbing. Past elected representatives, who served the fascist government, failed to work for the people of this region.”
He added that the NCP is participating in the ongoing discussions led by the Reform Commission to build a national consensus among political parties.
Earlier in the day, NCP leaders met with families of individuals killed in the July movement at the district council’s rest house and held a discussion with members of the Harijan community in the city.
