NCP Urges Chief Adviser to Hold Constituent Assembly Election

Leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP) have pressed interim government Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to arrange a constituent assembly election, saying it is necessary to give the July Charter a solid constitutional and legal basis.

The appeal came during a meeting at the Chief Adviser’s official residence, Jamuna.

Speaking to reporters afterward, Ariful Islam Adib, Senior Joint Convener of the NCP, explained the party’s position. He was accompanied by party representatives including Hasnat Abdullah, Chief Organizer for the Southern Region; Tasnim Jara, Senior Joint Member Secretary; and Abdul Hannan Masud, Senior Joint Chief Coordinator.

From the government side, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul, Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, and National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman joined the discussions.

Ariful Islam told journalists that only a constituent assembly election could pave the way for lasting reform. “The July Charter must have a constitutional foundation. Through such an election, Bangladesh can address its decades-long crisis — the dominance of authoritarian tendencies and personality-driven politics. A constituent assembly should be tasked with drafting a new constitution,” he said.

The NCP delegation also raised several concerns:

• Families of those killed or injured in July’s mass uprising have yet to receive rehabilitation, medical support, or adequate security.

• The government should assist in repatriating individuals detained in the UAE after joining pro-July demonstrations.

• Clear and firm measures must be taken against members of state agencies accused in the Enforced Disappearances Commission report.

• The election commission’s neutrality and institutional capacity must be safeguarded.

On the political front, NCP leaders reiterated their stance that the Jatiya Party should face restrictions. Ariful Islam argued, “There is no real difference between the Jatiya Party and the Awami League. Since the Awami League’s organizational activities are already suspended, and because the Jatiya Party openly backs efforts to bring a banned party into elections, we urged the Chief Adviser to suspend the Jatiya Party’s activities as well.”

Following the talks, Professor Yunus posed for photographs with the NCP leaders, joined by his advisers. The photo session took place Sunday night at the State Guest House Jamuna.