The National Citizens Party (NCP) has urged the interim government to ensure essential state reforms and justice before holding national elections.
At a discussion titled ‘Democratic Conversion: Basic Reform and Election,’ NCP member secretary Akhtar Hossain warned that without structural changes, elections could reinforce authoritarianism.
He stressed the need for dismantling the current power structure and overhauling the constitution, which he criticized for concentrating excessive power in the Prime Minister’s hands.
“No meaningful democracy can exist if the system itself is authoritarian,” he said.
Akhtar also called for an independent judiciary, noting that the justice system must be free from political influence to safeguard civil rights.
He emphasized the urgency of justice for the July incidents and warned that any party failing to uphold the July Charter would face public rejection.
NCP leaders presented detailed reform proposals, asserting that elections and reforms must go hand in hand. Akhtar called for unity among anti-authoritarian forces to resist what he termed "Awami fascism."
The event, organized by the party’s Reform Coordination Committee, included participation from academics, legal experts, and representatives of several political and civil groups.
