National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Md Nahid Islam has said that the first step toward dismantling a fascist system is the fundamental reform of the state and the formulation of a new constitution.
Nahid made the comment in a post on his verified Facebook page on Monday, outlining the NCP’s political perspective within the context of the Bangladeshi state, reports Bangla Tribune.
He emphasized that establishing a truly democratic state requires restructuring the state, reforming institutions, and drafting a new constitution, which he described as the NCP’s foremost political responsibility in replacing the existing fascist system with a new political arrangement.
Nahid pointed out that one of the foundational pillars of the Bangladeshi state is the Liberation War.
The NCP’s journey is rooted in the ideals of equality, justice, and human dignity that emerged from the Liberation War, as well as in the aspirations for a non-discriminatory and democratic state articulated during the July uprising.
The NCP convener also said that the NCP politically and historically upholds the legacy of anti-colonial and anti-Brahminical struggles led by Hindus, Muslims, and Dalits in Bengal.
He affirmed that the NCP respects citizens’ religious beliefs and spiritual sentiments.
The party recognizes the morality and humanity inherent in Islam, the religion of the majority, and values the language, culture, and way of life of Bengali Muslims.
At the same time, it is committed to ensuring the protection of the religious, cultural, and civic rights of minority religious and ethnic communities, he said. “We believe that the state must preserve the religious and cultural integrity of every community.”
The NCP convener further said: “We oppose Islamophobia and communalism, and we do not support religious extremism or fundamentalism. Nor do we accept secularist or theocratic ideologies as our guiding principles. Instead, our goal is to build an inclusive democratic state through interfaith coexistence, harmony, and mutual compassion.”
He added that the NCP embraces a civilizational national identity rather than one based on ethnicity, religion, or tribe. “The NCP is working to foster a national culture that embodies the civilizational identity of the Bengal Delta, a confluence of many languages and cultures.”
Nahid further said that women's dignity and empowerment are among the NCP’s core principles.
He said: “The NCP will take concrete steps to ensure women's education, healthcare, safety, leadership opportunities, and employment. We will work to secure women’s rightful share of inheritance under family law.”
Describing Indian dominance and Hindutva ideology as cultural and geopolitical threats to Bangladesh, he said: “The NCP will adopt a firm political stance against these hegemonic tendencies. We believe Bangladesh should strengthen strategic relations with other nations based on justice, dignity, civilization, and national interest.”
Nahid added: “The NCP seeks to establish a corruption-free socio-economic system based on justice and equality, one that resembles a welfare state. Education, public health, agriculture, climate, urban governance, labor rights, and employment will be the NCP’s key policy areas.”
He concluded: “We are working on a vision to create a new economic zone in the Bay of Bengal region, centered on Bangladesh.”
