Dhaka, Mar 22 (V7N)-  The National Citizens Party (NCP) has announced plans to propose lowering the voting age to 16 years and the minimum age for candidates to 23 years in elections. The proposal will be submitted to the National Unity Commission as part of broader electoral reform recommendations.

At a press conference held at the Rupayan Center in the capital on Saturday morning, NCP Joint Convener Sarwar Tushar emphasized the role of Gen-Z in recent mass uprisings worldwide. He argued that excluding them from voting due to the current age restriction of 18 is illogical.

The NCP is set to present its reform proposals to the National Consensus Commission on Sunday (March 23). Among the key demands is the drafting of a new constitution, as the party claims the existing one has lost validity after the recent political upheavals.

Tushar stated that the NCP advocates for elections to a Constituent Assembly, which would be responsible for drafting a new constitution before transitioning into a Legislative Assembly. Addressing concerns about the current government’s legitimacy, he dismissed it as a "technical matter" and reiterated the need for a fresh constitutional framework.

Furthermore, he criticized the ruling Awami League, labeling it as an "anti-national force" and an "agent of India." He warned that the party's actions could destabilize the country, vowing that the NCP would not allow their movement to be co-opted.

Tushar also noted that 111 proposed reforms could be implemented without further discussion, while expressing the party’s disagreement with the recommendations of the existing reform committee.

END/MSS/AJ