Nahid Islam, leader of the National Citizen Party (NCP), unveiled the party's vision for a second republic at a rally held on Manik Mia Avenue this evening, marking the party’s official inauguration.
The NCP, driven by the Students Against Discrimination and founded by the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, has introduced a transformative political and economic blueprint for Bangladesh.
At the heart of the vision is the drafting of a new constitution, starting with the formation of an elected constituent assembly to replace the current constitutional framework.
The NCP's declaration emphasizes the need to dismantle autocratic rule and replace it with a democratic constitution. The party's central goal is to cultivate a political culture where unity, justice, and merit prevail over division, revenge, and dynastic politics.
The movement, particularly the July 2024 mass uprising, is portrayed as a catalyst for far-reaching change, aiming not just to remove a regime but to reshape the political landscape. NCP pledges to eliminate corruption, ensure transparent governance, and make the people—particularly the marginalized—central to the nation's power.
The vision includes safeguarding fundamental rights and fostering inclusivity across ethnic, social, gender, and cultural boundaries. The NCP is committed to addressing poverty, inequality, and the abuse of power, ensuring that democracy remains intact within political, social, economic, and cultural institutions.
Economic plans focus on creating a self-sufficient and equitable economy, integrating agriculture, services, and industry. The NCP intends to curb wealth concentration and regulate corporate interests to protect public rights. Furthermore, the party aims to strengthen Bangladesh's sovereignty by enhancing its national defense and positioning the country as a regional power, with an emphasis on international partnerships.
A modern, technology-driven economy that fosters innovation is central to the NCP's long-term goals. The party asserts that the vision of the second republic is not a distant dream but a clear, achievable objective. It calls on the citizens of Bangladesh to unite in the effort to build a new Bangladesh, pledging to work towards a nation where justice, equality, and human dignity are foundational principles.
The declaration ends with a call to action, urging people from all walks of life to join in this transformative movement and work toward the realization of the second republic. "Now is the time to dream anew, to march forward, and to build a new Bangladesh," the declaration concludes.
Full text of NCP declaration
Against the backdrop of the July 2024 uprising led by students and the masses, under the leadership of the Students Against Discrimination and the initiative of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, we, the people of Bangladesh, hereby declare—
We are the people of the Bengal delta, shaped by a rich and distinct culture developed over a thousand years of history. After nearly 200 years of British colonial rule, the state of Pakistan was established in 1947 following a prolonged struggle. However, the people of this land did not achieve freedom from exploitation and discrimination. After 23 years of relentless struggle, the people waged the great liberation war of 1971, sacrificing countless lives to establish an independent Bangladesh.
Yet, even after independence, the people of Bangladesh have repeatedly fought for democracy. In 1990, students and the masses shed their blood to overthrow a military dictatorship. Despite these sacrifices, more than five decades after independence, we have failed to establish a political system that ensures democracy, equality, human dignity, and social justice. Over the past 15 years, the country has endured a brutal fascist regime that weaponized state institutions to serve the ruling party's interests, destroyed democracy, silenced dissent, and normalized enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and systemic corruption.
In July 2024, through immense sacrifice, the students and masses orchestrated an unprecedented uprising, toppling the fascist regime that had gripped the nation for nearly a decade and a half. This victory, however, was not merely about replacing one government with another. It was a response to the aspiration of dismantling the entrenched fascist system and rebuilding the state on the foundation of people's rights. With this vision, we announce the formation of the National Citizen Party (NCP)—a democratic, justice-oriented, and truly representative political party.
We believe the July 2024 uprising marked the beginning of our struggle to establish a second republic. To achieve this, we must eliminate all possibilities of restoring constitutional autocracy by adopting a new democratic constitution. Our primary goal is to draft this constitution through an elected constituent assembly. The second republic will ensure a strong national defense system to protect the nation's interests and rebuild broken political, social, economic, and cultural institutions, preserving their democratic nature. Only through these efforts can we emerge as a fully democratic state.
We strive to cultivate a political culture where unity prevails over division, justice replaces vengeance, and merit triumphs over dynastic politics. Corruption and nepotism will have no place in our politics.
In the second republic, the voices of marginalized and disadvantaged communities will be brought into the mainstream. The common people—and only the common people—will be the supreme source of power. The robust protection of democratic and fundamental rights will be the core principle of our politics. We aim to build a pluralistic and prosperous society by preserving the nation's ethnic, social, gender, religious, and cultural diversity. Our republic will ensure strong protections against poverty, inequality, and the abuse of power. No segment of Bangladesh's population will be excluded or criminalized. Instead, every citizen will be valued, and their safety and security will be guaranteed.
Economically, we aim to establish a self-sufficient, equitable, and sustainable national economy through the integration of agriculture, services, and production sectors. Wealth will not be concentrated in the hands of a select few; instead, the equitable redistribution of resources will be the core principle of our economic policies. We will regulate corporate syndicates and vested interests, safeguarding consumer and public welfare. We will position Bangladesh as a strong regional power through economic advancement, fostering regional cooperation and international partnerships. Our modern, sustainable economy will prioritize science, technology, and innovation.
Finally, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to establishing a just and equal society. The July 2024 uprising was not just a victory against fascism but a pledge to shape our future. Let us unite to build a Bangladesh where every citizen's voice is heard, where justice and human rights are at the heart of politics, and where equality and human dignity form the foundation of the state.
Now is the time to dream anew, to march forward, and to build a new Bangladesh!
Therefore, let us all take an oath from our respective positions. Let us unite and move forward with unwavering determination in our struggle to establish the second republic.
Our country, our rights, our future—the second republic is not an unattainable dream. It is our solemn commitment!
