Nahid Islam, the convener of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), declared that there is no place for pro-India or pro-Pakistan politics in Bangladesh. Speaking at the official launch of the new political party on Friday evening at Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka, he saluted the student protestors of the July uprising, the families of martyrs, and political leaders in his opening remarks.

He emphasized that Bangladesh will be rebuilt based on the interests of its people, moving forward rather than dwelling on the past. Citing the slogan from the July uprising, “Who are you, who am I? Alternative, alternative,” he stated that NCP was founded as a political alternative. He also vowed that Bangladesh must not be divided.

Nahid Islam then proceeded to read out the party’s declaration, which was later distributed to journalists. The declaration stated that, against the backdrop of the July 2024 student-led uprising and the anti-discrimination movement, the NCP was being formed with a commitment to democratic governance, social equity, and national reconstruction.

The declaration traced Bangladesh’s history from British colonial rule to the partition of 1947, followed by 23 years of Pakistani oppression, culminating in the Liberation War of 1971. However, despite independence, Bangladesh has repeatedly had to fight for democracy. The fall of military dictatorship in 1990 did not bring lasting political stability, and for the past 15 years, the country had been under an oppressive regime that misused state institutions, stifled dissent, engaged in enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, rampant corruption, and mass financial embezzlement.

The July 2024 uprising, through immense sacrifice, overthrew this fascist government. However, the movement was not just about changing one administration for another—it was about dismantling an entrenched authoritarian system and rebuilding a state based on people’s rights. With this goal in mind, NCP announced its establishment as a democratic, egalitarian, and representative political party.

The declaration stated that the July uprising initiated the struggle for Bangladesh’s “Second Republic,” which must be institutionalized through the drafting of a new democratic constitution to eliminate the possibility of future authoritarian rule. The NCP aims to lead this effort by holding elections for a constitutional assembly to frame the new charter. Strengthening national defense, restoring broken political and social institutions, and ensuring their democratic character were listed as key priorities to achieve a truly democratic state.

The party envisions a political culture based on unity rather than division, justice instead of vengeance, and merit over nepotism. Corruption and favoritism will have no place in governance. The declaration further emphasized that marginalized communities must be given a voice in mainstream politics, and power must rest solely with the people. The new republic will uphold ethnic, social, gender, religious, and cultural diversity while ensuring economic equality, environmental responsibility, and a fair distribution of resources.

In terms of economic policy, NCP advocates for a self-sufficient economy that balances agriculture, services, and industrial production, preventing wealth concentration in the hands of a few. It pledges to curb corporate monopolies, protect consumer rights, and establish regional and international partnerships for sustainable growth, with a strong emphasis on science, technology, and innovation.

Concluding the declaration, the NCP reaffirmed its commitment to building a just and equal society, asserting that the July 2024 uprising was not merely about defeating a fascist regime but about shaping the future. The call was made to unite and work collectively toward a new Bangladesh where justice, human rights, and equality are at the core of governance. The party urged all citizens to take an oath to uphold the vision of the Second Republic, declaring that this is not an unattainable dream but an unwavering commitment to the nation’s future.