During Saturday’s meeting with the National Consensus Commission, leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP) stressed the need to abolish any measures that could pave the way for fascism or authoritarianism in Bangladesh.
The meeting began at 10:45am and concluded around 4pm, as per a NCP press release.
At the outset of the meeting, the party’s Convener Nahid Islam said: “We seek to abolish the fascist system and establish a new political framework. Our goal is not simply to replace one individual with another or to substitute one party in power for another. Rather, we aim to bring about a fundamental and qualitative transformation of the state structure—protecting the rights of the people through constitutional and structural reforms to create a truly democratic state.”
He continued: “The reforms we envision will bring about radical and substantive change. In the past, we have witnessed the politicization of the constitution and state institutions. The constitution itself embedded a highly centralized, individual-centric structure. As a result, whoever assumes power within this unchanged system inevitably gravitates toward fascist and authoritarian tendencies.”
Nahid added: “We must fulfill our commitment to the nation—that fascism and authoritarianism never return to Bangladesh. We will work from our respective positions to ensure a democratic state structure and block all avenues that could lead to oppressive regimes.”
Professor Ali Riaz, vice-chair of the National Consensus Commission, said: “The long-standing fascist rule that burdened us like a heavy stone has been overcome through struggles, sacrifices, and the lives of our comrades. We have succeeded in dismantling that regime, which has now set Bangladesh on a path toward state reform.”
He continued: “Now is the time to build a new Bangladesh. We must ensure that fascism never returns and that the democratic institutions of the state take permanent root. We must also resist all forms of oppression, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and other human rights violations.”
Speaking to the press later, NCP Secretary General Akhtar Hossain said: “The current constitution does not guarantee a democratic environment. The prime minister wields excessive power, and the NCP calls for a balance of authority. During the meeting, we emphasized the need for fundamental reforms and proposed that general elections and the transfer of power should be conducted peacefully and with consensus among all political parties.”
He added: “Before the elections, justice for war crimes must be ensured, and necessary reforms implemented. The interim government currently in place must demonstrate its mandate through the election. However, prior to that, accountability and meaningful reforms are essential. We clearly conveyed this position to the Commission.”
