DHAKA, May 24, (V7N) – Nahid Islam, Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), today urged the interim government to announce a comprehensive roadmap encompassing three critical elements: the trial of those responsible for mass killings during last year's July-August Uprising, the overall reform process, and the next national election.

"The roadmaps for justice, reform, and elections should be announced together. That will create a sense of reassurance among the public and foster trust among all political parties," Nahid Islam told a press conference at the NCP office in the capital's Banglamotor.

Nahid articulated the party's expectations from the interim government: "Our expectation from the interim government is a peaceful transfer of power through justice, reform, and fair elections. It is the responsibility of this interim government not only to hold elections, but also to bring about justice and fundamental reforms." He further urged Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus "to remain in charge and move towards resolving problems through political discussions with all parties."

The NCP also called for responsibility from all political parties. "The people and political parties must act responsibly. For the country's current situation, national security, and a future democratic Bangladesh, we will act responsibly and resolve everything through discussion."

Commenting on the "July Charter," Nahid stated, "Time is moving forward, and the deadline for the July Proclamation is approaching. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure its announcement within the stipulated time." He emphasized that the government's legitimacy and responsibilities are rooted in the aspirations of the July Uprising. "Dr. Muhammad Yunus assumed power in the wake of a mass uprising. Our expectation was that the government would fulfil the public's demand for justice, reform, and a peaceful transfer of power through free and fair elections," he said. "The government has a duty not only to hold elections, but also to address crimes of the past, including the July massacre, and implement structural reforms," Nahid added.


Nahid Islam also addressed efforts to legitimize past controversial elections through the judiciary, reiterating opposition parties' rejection of polls held under the previous Awami League government. "All elections under the Awami regime have been declared illegal by anti-fascist opposition forces. Seeking court validation will only lead to further instability," he warned. "Instead, we should focus on local government elections to ease public suffering and restore democratic trust," he suggested.

Regarding the two student advisers in the interim government, Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan and Mahfuj Alam, who were prominent figures in last year's Mass Uprising, Nahid clarified the NCP's position. "The party has no relation with the two advisers," he stated. Nahid explained, "The two student advisers had joined the government as representatives of the July mass uprising. I was also with them. If they want to engage in politics or participate in elections, they cannot do so while remaining in the government." He added, "In that case, they will have to leave the government and make their own decisions." Despite the lack of direct affiliation, Nahid alleged, "attempts are being made to associate them with the NCP through propaganda and to demean them."

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