NCP outlines reform agenda

The party is working to ensure justice and reforms on issues related to what he described as “Indian fascism,” Islam and national sovereignty, while also pushing for structural changes in the country, National Citizen Party (NCP) chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari said on Friday.

Speaking to journalists at the Khan Jahan Ali (R) shrine ghat in Bagerhat, he said 75pc of votes were cast in favour of reforms through a referendum, but the promised reforms are not being implemented. He added that the party would continue to fight for voting rights and would not compromise with the government on reform issues.

NCP is focusing on three key areas: reforms aimed at bringing fundamental changes in Bangladesh; ensuring trial of alleged criminals linked to the Awami League; and bringing to justice those accused of bank looting and destabilising the stock market. He said the party is engaging with people to ensure legal action against such individuals, Patwari said.

He also said efforts are underway to address what he called attempts of “push-in” from India and to move away from a “submissive foreign policy” towards an independent foreign policy.

Referring to development issues in Bagerhat, Patwari said the area had been dominated by the “Sheikh family” and claimed that no real development had taken place. He congratulated locals for what he described as removing the influence of the family from the area.

He further said that if the NCP comes to power, a university will be established in the name of Hazrat Khan Jahan Ali (R), which would provide education and healthcare facilities and promote the region’s historical and religious heritage.

Criticising the current political situation, he said if the BNP government ignores 75 per cent of the people’s demands for reforms, “the fall of the government will not take long.”

During interaction with journalists, he also wished for the recovery of BNP leader Mirza Abbas, who is undergoing treatment.

Later, he visited the shrine of Hazrat Khan Jahan Ali (R) with party leaders and workers, and then went to the Sixty Dome Mosque. He also planted trees on the southern bank of Ghoda Dighi before offering Juma prayers with party members.