Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), has said that several political parties opposing the formation of the National Constitutional Council (NCC) are essentially seeking to preserve a fascist political structure.
Speaking at the third meeting of the second phase of political dialogue with the National Consensus Commission (NCC) at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Wednesday, Nahid said, "Those who are against the formation of the NCC basically want to remain in the fascist structure."
Reiterating his party's support for the NCC, he noted that while the NCP endorses the idea in principle, it has reservations about the proposed method of its formation. "There is room for discussion," he added.
Urging critics of the NCC to come forward with alternative ideas, Nahid said, "We want to know-do you want to maintain the previous fascist structure? The Human Rights Commission has been silent for the past 16 years. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Election Commission have lost their credibility because they have become subservient to one party and even one individual."
Paying tribute to the July Mass Uprising, Nahid called on political parties to actively engage in shaping the proposed council.
Referring to the NCC as a step towards balancing state power, he said, "Our journey towards a 'New Bangladesh' is rooted in reducing the overwhelming power of the executive branch. That's why we support the formation of the NCC."
However, he raised objections to some elements of the current proposal. "The NCC should not be empowered to appoint the head of the armed forces. Moreover, the President and the Chief Justice should not be included in the council. These aspects require further deliberation," he noted.
Nahid expressed disappointment that no political consensus had been reached on the NCC so far. "We had hoped that constitutional institutions would be restructured through impartial appointments based on national consensus and trust-not through one-party decisions or the whims of the Prime Minister, as before."
He concluded by saying, "We are open to changes in the composition and even the name of the NCC. If that happens, we will reconsider our proposal. But those who oppose it must present viable alternatives. Otherwise, our call for mass uprising and reform will fall flat."
