Sadik Ahmed Pranto 

Even a year ago, could we have imagined that a group of young people would storm the old stage of Bangladeshi politics? but only after the July uprising, students were chanting slogans on the streets of Dhaka — “We want a new Bangladesh and a second republic.” It is from that movement that the National Citizens’ Party (NCP)  was born. This was not an overnight bloom, but rather the result of long-held frustration, dreams, and possibilities.

The NCP has conveyed some bold and positive messages from the very beginning. First among them is their goal—the formation of a Second Republic, which means a complete reform of the state structure and the constitution. This surprised many of us, but when their party manifesto mentioned the formation of a Constituent Assembly, the matter took on a new dimension.

What was even more encouraging was their announcement of forming a youth wing. In a country’s politics, involving the youth has always been important, because how can true democracy be achieved without listening to those who will build the future Bangladesh and  bringing them into leadership? The NCP stated it wants to bring political reform through the youth.

Moreover, National Citizen Party (NCP) Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, a candidate for the Rangpur-4 (Pirgachha-Kaunia) constituency visited his house  by an open Nosimon, a rural transport vehicle as a  part of cost-cutting measures.The news of ferry service resuming in the Sandwip Channel has truly made the NCP popular in the eyes of many. When, under the leadership of NCP leader Hannan, the islanders were directly connected to the mainland after 53 years thanks to the ferry, people praised the NCP’s effective initiative. As a result, traders, farmers, and ordinary passengers are all benefiting.

The chief coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP)  Nasiruddin Patwary said, (in Jugantor, March 25, 2025), "The upcoming national election will be held in a completely new style. There will be no place for extortionists, tender manipulators, autocrats, money-driven candidates, or mafias." It is undoubtedlya glimmer of hope.  In our country,  people feel doubtful and fear as soon as they hear about elections. So,  such a statement from the NCP gives them new hope.Still, questions remain. Since the party emerged from a student movement, people naturally expected a bit more from them.However, several major media outlets, including Prothom Alo and Jugantor, have recently reported the NCP’s mysterious silence regarding the vandalism of the Liberation War Museum and the Mural of Independence. Why did the party people  that claim to stand for reform and respect for history remain silent on such an incident? This silence has disappointed many.Reform is possible not by destroying our past  history, but by learning from its true lessons. From the Sepoy Mutiny to 1905, 1947, and 1971—every chapter of history is part of our collective consciousness. That history must never be hidden or erased.

Sarjis Alam, chief organiser (North) of the National Citizen Party,  is being criticized again for taking pictures in a potato field. Just taking photos in the field doesn’t mean standing with farmers. It is such a Show-off

when farmers don’t get fair prices  for their produce, and when workers live in misery due to unpaid wages. What is needed is to fight to solve their problems  by breaking the syndicates and ensure  workers’ rightful entitlements. This politics of field photography will not endure. 

the biggest question now revolves around financial transparency. The NCP claims to stand for transparency, but where did the money come from for their iftar parties, launching programs, and large-scale events? When a senior leader of the party, Dr. Tasnim Jara, publicly questions where the funds for Sarjis Alam’s motorcade came from, it makes ordinary people wonder: is the NCP really going to be just like any other political party? However, I think something positive here—Tasnim Jara’s question signals a new kind of political culture. Typically, political parties in Bangladesh are never held accountable to the people; rather, it is the people who have to go to help  to political leaders. According to Guy Debord’s theory of the "spectacle," life in modern capitalist societies no longer exists in reality, but in images, appearances, and performances. That is why, in our country, people often expect political leaders to be wealthy and flashy. Our citizens must need to shift this psychological thoughts.

NCP convener Nahid Islam said (Dhaka Post, 07 March 2025),

“Those who are providing financial support may face harm if their names are revealed.”

But the question remains—if the  supporters are truly honest, then why would revealing their names cause harm? From my point of view, NCP should set an example of transparency themselves.In our country, businessmen usually give money to political parties for two reasons: To avoid trouble for any irregularities in their business and gain benefits if the party comes to power—such as getting loans, laundering money, or expanding their business. 

If the NCP truly wants to implement  the dream of a new Bangladesh, it must prove it through actions, not just narrative. First, they must publicly disclose their income and expenses. This should be the first step toward transparency. They must also establish a culture of accountability among the very students and young people who helped form the party. Second, taking pictures in potato fields is not enough to stand with farmers. The real task is to solve the actual problems faced by farmers and workers. These are to break  syndicates  for farmers' fair prices  and ensuring workers' rightful wages and bonuses which will be the true test for NCP.

Third, internal differences of opinion pose another major challenge. Such disagreements can either break the party or weaken its vision. Therefore, internal dialogue and the practice of internal democracy must be maintained.

Most importantly, NCP should build a direct relationship with the people, not through flashy social media posts, but by going door-to-door, especially to marginalized communities. The supporters have to  listen to their concerns, and actively work  to solve their problems.

Bangladesh has never been the story of a single leader or party. All our movements and struggles are the collective legacy of the people.

If the NCP truly wishes to become the successor of this tradition, it must prove—through actions, not words—that it genuinely seeks democratic reform.

Only then, perhaps one day, Bangladesh can move beyond dynastic politics and become a truly democratic nation.

The Writer is a studentof the department of English the University of Gopalgonj Science and Technology .