News Flash
DHAKA, Dec 1, 2025 (BSS) — National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Md Nahid Islam today said the upcoming national election would decide whether the Bangladesh would merely see a change of government or shape its political course.
“Some political forces are trying to maintain old structures, and voters must remain vigilant,” Nahid told a special prayer at the party’s makeshift office at Banglamotor.
He particularly asked voters consent for the planned referendum on proposed reforms to be held simultaneously with the national election saying “This election is not just a vote to change the government”.
“It is a vote to change the country. A ‘yes’ vote means support for reform, a ‘no’ vote means standing against it,” Nahid said adding “apart from cohorts of the former fascist regime, no one should vote against the reform”.
NCP staged the prayer to mark the recent release of Bangladeshi expatriates from captivity in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as they were destined there supporting the July Uprising.
Nahid said 24 of the 25 detained expatriates have now been released and would return home soon and “we express our deepest condolences to their families for the long wait”.
“Ensuring their release was our responsibility, as well as that of the nation and the government. Although 188 detainees were freed earlier, the remaining 25 had to wait far too long,” he said.
He praised the courage of the expatriates, noting that many risked arrest in countries where protests are illegal.
“They knew they could be detained, yet they acted out of conscience, patriotism, and solidarity with students. Their contribution will never be forgotten,” Nahid said and called on the government to ensure their dignified rehabilitation, employment, family security, and political protection.
Nahid also expressed sorrow for an expatriate who died in custody, calling for the family to be recognised as a “martyr’s family” and urging the nation to stand by them.
Nahid said as part of his party’s commitment to overseas Bangladeshis NCP’s Diaspora Alliance were working to protect the rights of migrant workers, professionals, and students laying high value to their contribution to national economy through remittances.
The NCP leader said skill development training for migrant workers could boost foreign currency earnings and benefit the national economy.
Nahid appreciated the interim government initiatives to allow expatriates to vote in the upcoming election calling it a “milestone move” and urged all eligible citizens abroad to register promptly and take part in the campaign to shape Bangladesh’s future.
He said the July Uprising was not staged alone by those associated with NCP and rather it was a collective movement of students, workers, citizens, and anti-fascist political forces.
Nahid alleged that some groups were trying to revive divisive narratives, such as “Liberation War versus anti-Liberation” and “Islam versus anti-Islam,” undermining the uprising’s aspirations.
He said NCP would contest the election as the “guardian of reforms,” pledging to uphold the uprising’s goals and the sacrifices of martyrs without political compromise.
The NCP convenor prayed for the recovery of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and paid rich tributes to her contributions to the country.
“Her contributions to Bangladesh’s democracy and political struggle will always be remembered. We hope she remains with us for many more years,” he said.
NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, Senior Joint Convener Samanta Sharmin, and Jatiya Jubo Shakti Member Secretary Dr Zahidur Rahman were also present.
