NCP advocates for bicameral legislature
Staff Reporter :
The National Citizen Party (NCP), a political entity emerging from last year’s student-led uprising, announced its agreement with 113 out of 166 key reform proposals presented by various commissions.
The party also expressed partial concurrence with an additional 29 proposals.
These developments were shared during a press briefing by Sarwar Tushar, the NCP’s joint convener and coordinator of the Reform Coordination Committee, following the submission of the party’s formal opinions to the National Consensus Commission.
Tushar emphasised the party’s stance on implementing recommendations not pertaining to constitutional matters through ordinances.
Conversely, reforms necessitating constitutional amendments, such as the establishment of a bicameral parliament, would require the convening of a Constituent Assembly election.
He underscored the importance of transparency in the electoral process, advocating that political parties disclose their upper house candidates prior to elections to ensure voters are fully informed.
Addressing the dynamics between executive roles, the NCP proposed that while the Prime Minister could offer advice to the President, such counsel should not be obligatory.
Regarding the structure of interim governance, the party recommended an election-time interim government with a tenure spanning 70 to 75 days.
Tushar noted that, over time, the necessity for such a government might diminish, potentially allowing a proposed Constitutional Council to assume its responsibilities.
The press briefing was attended by other members of the Reform Coordination Committee, including Munira Sharmin, Javed Rashim, Arman Hossain, and Salehuddin Sifat.
The NCP’s inception traces back to the historic July 2024 uprising, where students and the general populace mobilised to dismantle an authoritarian regime.
Officially launched on February 28, 2025, the party, led by convener Nahid Islam, has been vocal about its vision for a ‘Second Republic.’
Central to this vision is the drafting of a new constitution through an elected constituent assembly, aiming to ensure democratic governance and prevent the recurrence of autocratic rule.
The NCP’s comprehensive reform agenda seeks to reconstruct political, social, economic, and cultural institutions to serve the common populace, moving away from entrenched political and corporate interests.
The party emphasizes the eradication of corruption and nepotism, advocating for a system where competence and merit are paramount.
Additionally, the NCP aims to foster inclusivity, ensuring marginalized communities are integral to national decision-making processes.
As Bangladesh approaches its next electoral cycle, the NCP’s reformist perspectives are anticipated to influence the nation’s political discourse, challenging traditional power structures and advocating for a more representative and equitable governance model.