Dhaka, Oct 18 (V7N) — National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam has said that signing the July Charter without ensuring its legal basis is nothing more than “a show of hands” and a betrayal of the July movement.

He made the remarks at a press conference held at the party’s temporary central office in Banglamotor on Saturday (October 18) morning.

Nahid Islam said that the NCP will respond if the Consensus Commission calls for fresh discussions, but clarified that the July Charter has no connection with the party’s Note of Dissent.

Regarding election symbols, he announced that the ‘Shapla’ (water lily) will be the official symbol of the NCP and expressed hope that the party will contest the upcoming national election under this emblem.

The NCP leader also said his party is closely monitoring the level playing field ahead of the polls, while expressing doubts about the neutrality of the public administration.

Condemning BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed’s recent remark labeling the July fighters as “Awami fascists,” Nahid demanded that the BNP leader apologize and withdraw his statement.

Clarifying the NCP’s stance, Nahid further said, “The Left parties’ decision not to sign the July Charter has no connection with the NCP. They abstained from attending Friday’s event based on their own political and democratic positions stemming from the mass uprising.”

END/SMA/AJ