Against the symbolic backdrop of the Central Shaheed Minar, the National Citizen Party (NCP) on Sunday unveiled a bold and sweeping 24-point manifesto, vowing to chart a new course for Bangladesh rooted in justice, reform, and national dignity.The rally, which began over an hour behind schedule, commenced at around 5:15 PM with a moving address from Rabbiul Awal, brother of Imam Hasan Tayeb—one of the protesters killed during the July uprising that has since galvanized opposition forces across the country.The crowd, which had started gathering from early afternoon, included people of all ages and backgrounds—many of them carrying placards bearing the slogans of the July protests. Attendees came not only from Dhaka but from other districts as well, indicating growing national traction behind the NCP’s call for systemic change.
### *A Vision Rooted in Reform*
NCP Convener Md. Nahid Islam formally announced the party’s 24-point "Manifesto for a New Bangladesh"—a political blueprint that challenges the current constitutional structure and calls for a radical transformation of state institutions. Central leaders, including Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, were present during the declaration.
Among the major pledges:
* *A New Constitution and a Second Republic*: NCP proposes scrapping the current constitution to usher in a "Second Republic" that recognizes the July uprising as a pivotal moment in national history.
* *Judicial and Institutional Reform*: Calls were made for an independent judiciary, service-oriented public administration, and anti-corruption drives, along with people-friendly law enforcement.
* *Decentralized Democracy: The manifesto emphasizes the establishment of **village parliaments* and stronger local government bodies to bring democracy closer to the grassroots.
* *Freedom of the Press and Civil Society*: The party vows to ensure a free media landscape and strengthen civil society, ensuring citizens have a voice in governance.
* *Inclusive Social Policies: NCP promises **universal healthcare*, education reform tied to innovation and technology, and policies to protect the rights of women, religious communities, and ethnic minorities.
* *Economic Justice: The manifesto introduces a "human-centered welfare economy" with a focus on **youth employment, **sustainable agriculture, **workers’ rights, and **national resource management*.
* *Global Standing and Climate Action: The NCP calls for a **Bangladesh-first foreign policy*, climate resilience, river and sea protection, and a dignified role for expatriate Bangladeshis in national life.
### *From Protest to Political Program*
The manifesto comes just weeks after the NCP’s countrywide “July Procession,” which saw thousands rallying across major cities demanding justice, accountability, and an end to authoritarian rule.
Sunday’s event was charged with emotional resonance, as family members of July uprising victims took the stage to connect the personal cost of repression to the broader national struggle.
“Their blood must not go in vain,” said one speaker. “This manifesto is not just a political document—it is a pledge made in memory of those who fell.”
As the sun set behind the marble pillars of the Shaheed Minar, chants of “Notun Bangladesh chai” echoed through the crowd.
### *Looking Ahead*
Whether the NCP can convert emotional momentum into political organization remains to be seen. But with a detailed manifesto, visible grassroots energy, and a willingness to challenge entrenched powers, the party is positioning itself as a serious force in the shifting landscape of Bangladeshi politics.
As the crowd dispersed peacefully into the evening, one thing was clear: for many, the dream of a “New Bangladesh” is no longer abstract—it’s a call to action.