National Citizens' Party (NCP) Convenor Nahid Islam on Saturday said that elections would be ineffective without prior reforms, stressing the need for constitutional amendments through a Constituent Assembly for sustainable change.
“We have discussed reforms and reiterated our stance on constitutional amendments. We believe that any fundamental changes to the constitution must be undertaken through a Constituent Assembly; otherwise, such reforms will not be sustainable,” he told journalists following a roundtable discussion on reform proposals.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, representatives from political parties, the National Consensus Commission and other stakeholders attended the dialogue.
In response to a question, Nahid said, “Though we view elections as part of the reform process, elections will serve no purpose without reforms.”
He emphasised that the NCP’s position on reforms is rooted in post-uprising circumstances under which the government was formed.
Reforms: Guterres holds talks with political leaders, Consensus Building Commission
"Reforms and justice are among its key commitments to the people. Therefore, fundamental reforms must be initiated during this government's tenure, and all political parties must reach a consensus—something that is being referred to as the ‘July Charter’,” he said.
Highlighting the need for a Constituent Assembly election, Nahid said that the upcoming national election should also include elections for a legislative body and the assembly.
He also stressed the importance of ensuring justice and expressed appreciation for the UN’s role in supporting Bangladesh’s reform process, particularly in the aftermath of the July uprising.
Nahid reiterated that the NCP has called for the swift implementation of the July Charter and insisted that constitutional reforms should be carried out through a Constituent Assembly. “Amending the constitution solely through Parliament will not be sustainable,” he noted.
Nahid Islam said, “We have conveyed our party’s position. The UN Secretary-General, from his standpoint, has encouraged Bangladesh’s political parties and the government to reach a consensus and uphold the true essence of democracy by working together in unity.”