The NCP will place emphasis on a constituent assembly to frame a new constitution, human rights and economic welfare for the formation of a new Bangladesh, party convener Nahid Islam said on Sunday.
Reading out a 24-point manifesto, including a pledge to formulate a new constitution, at a rally organised at the Central Shaheed Minar in the capital, he also pledged to ensure punishment for all crimes against humanity by the AL.
"July massacre, Shapla massacre, BDR massacre, disappearances, extrajudicial killings — the NCP will ensure the trial and punishment of all crimes against humanity committed during the Awami League regime."
The NCP leader – who as an ordinary student had called for the then prime minister Sheikh Hasina to step down on this day last year – also vowed to crush fascism forever.
"The new independence was achieved not only to overthrow the government, but also to break the fascist regime forever."
He said the new Bangladesh would be a country where there will be no fascism or dictatorship.
Nahid also pledged empowerment of women and creation of a welfare-oriented society.
"Our commitment will also be to form an independent media and a strong civil society," he added.
Although the manifesto was supposed to be officially announced at 4:00pm, it was read at dusk.
Before that, the central leaders of the NCP spoke one by one.
They expressed their commitment to education, health, employment creation, as well as to protect independence and sovereignty.
The central leaders drew attention to the importance of continuing the anti-fascist political unity formed in July.
They warned that no concessions would be made regarding the Awami League.
The top leaders also said that there will be no chance of returning home if the state structure is not purified.
Outline of the new Bangladesh in the 24-point manifesto
The 24-point manifesto of the National Citizens Party has formulated a new constitution and declared a Second Republic.
It includes a commitment to recognise and prosecute the July coup. Justice will be ensured through reforms of democratic and state institutions, a fair judiciary and legal reforms.
Service-oriented administration will be established and corruption will be suppressed.
People-friendly law enforcement forces will be formed and local people's participation will be ensured through village parliaments and local governments.
Universal healthcare will be ensured and education policy will be reformed for nation building.
The country's development will be accelerated through research, innovation and the information technology revolution.
The dignity of religion, community and ethnicity will be protected and the security, rights and empowerment of women will be ensured.
Sustainable agriculture and food sovereignty will be protected along with adopting a multi-faceted trade and industrialisation policy.
The rights of workers and farmers will be protected and national resource management will be transparent and responsible.
Attention will be paid to climate tolerance and river and sea conservation in urbanisation, transportation and housing plans.
Work will be done to protect the dignity and rights of expatriate Bangladeshis.
A pro-Bangladesh foreign policy will be followed and the national defense strategy will be developed. These 24 points basically present a plan for the overall development of the country, the establishment of democracy and the building of a just state.
Comments