DHAKA, Aug 02 (V7N) – National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam today urged the interim government to ensure that the upcoming 13th national parliamentary elections are conducted based on the principles of the "July Charter."

Speaking at an urgent press conference at the party's temporary central office, Nahid stated, "The interim government must take a decision regarding the July charter... We will not leave the task of reform solely to the elected government." He categorically emphasized that "the next election must be held based on the July Charter and the next parliament must be formed accordingly."

The NCP convener further asserted that the "July Declaration must receive constitutional recognition." He called upon the government to finalize decisions regarding the July Charter by August 5, as the interim government has already decided to announce the July Declaration on that date.

"Although fascism has fallen, the fascist state structure still exists," Nahid said, adding, "We demand full announcement of the July Charter by August 5." He welcomed the government's move to finalize the July Declaration but stressed that "by August 5, there must also be a resolution regarding the July Charter."

Nahid Islam indicated that "Consensus has already been reached on most of its points," but insisted, "We will only sign it once the implementation mechanism is ensured, and it must have legal validity." This highlights a key point of contention, as several political parties, including the BNP, have differing views on the legal bindingness of the July Charter. While the BNP favors "state recognition" (meaning the government officially accepts the Charter as part of its policies), the NCP and Jamaat-e-Islami are pushing for a stronger "legal foundation," such as an ordinance or a referendum, to ensure its implementation regardless of which party forms the next government.


Outlining the party's upcoming program, Nahid announced that the NCP will unveil the "Manifesto of a New Bangladesh" at a public rally at the Central Shaheed Minar at 4:00 PM tomorrow (Sunday, August 3).

He also issued a warning against any misuse of the aspirations of the July Uprising, stating, "Anyone who exploits the name of July to serve ill motives or commit misdeeds must be held accountable."

Context of the July Charter and Declaration:

The "July National Charter" (also known as the "July Charter") is a political declaration in Bangladesh based on the July Revolution of 2024. A preliminary draft was released on July 28, 2025, following consultations facilitated by the National Consensus Commission, formed by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. The Charter aims to guide governance, judicial, electoral, and administrative reforms, with commitments for implementation within two years of a new elected government.

The "July Declaration" refers to a separate document which is essentially a formal recognition of the historical significance of the 2024 pro-democracy movement and popular uprising that led to the Charter. The interim government has announced it will unveil the finalized July Declaration on August 5.

The NCP, formed on February 28, 2025, by student leaders of the July uprising, has consistently advocated for a "Second Republic" and comprehensive state reforms, emphasizing the need for legal safeguards for the July Charter's implementation. Their demand for constitutional recognition of the July Declaration and a legally binding July Charter underscores their commitment to institutionalizing the changes sought by the July Uprising.

END/AHS/RH/