Parliamentary, Constituent Assembly elections can be held together, says NCP leader Nahid

National Citizen Party, or NCP, Convenor Nahid Islam has said it is possible to hold parliamentary and Constituent Assembly elections at a time in Bangladesh.

Speaking at an Iftar event in Dhaka on Tuesday, he said: "We want to see the proposed July Charter implemented swiftly. We will all cooperate in this process."

“The implementation of the July Charter will provide a clear roadmap for reforms. This will lead to a new Constitution and pave the way for a democratic transition," Nahid added.

The iftar, held at the InterContinental Dhaka hotel, was attended by senior leaders from different political parties, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami.

Nahid outlined the purpose of the newly formed NCP at the event.

He said, “Through fundamental and qualitative changes in the governance framework, we aim to establish the constitutional, economic, political, and cultural foundations of the country.

“We are talking about a new republic through a new Constitution.”

He emphasised the possibility of establishing a new political setup by abolishing the fascist system.

The convenor said, "We want visible and swift trials for the allies of fascism. Through trials, we want to settle the political matters related to the Awami League."

Nahid stressed that the neutrality of the army, police, bureaucracy, and media is essential for the election.

“The government must take legal and social actions to ensure women’s safety in public spaces and address violence against women,” he said.

The former student leader clarified that restructuring the nation would not be an overnight process.

"We do not want to continue with the old political system. We seek a profound change in the political culture."

Nahid believes that without national unity, it is impossible to eliminate or defeat fascism.

“We must not forget that the country's dangers are far from over. Anti-national forces are still conspiring,” he said.

The NCP leader cautioned that the disharmony between politicians and revolutionary forces will the military-civilian bureaucracy, mafia groups, looters, business elites, and conspirators to destabilise the country.

“There will be ideological differences among us, but we will never deviate from the path of the July Uprising,” he concluded.