The National Citizen Party (NCP) has publicly rejected what it called an attempt by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to co-opt the momentum of the July uprising with symbolic offers of parliamentary positions and vague power-sharing arrangements.
Speaking at a public rally on Saturday in Asif Chattar, Satkhira, NCP Convenor Nahid Islam framed the BNP’s outreach as an effort to “buy off” revolutionary energy without engaging in meaningful structural reform.
Criticism of BNP’s Approach
“They assumed we could be tempted by two or three seats in Parliament and a bit of power,” Nahid said, addressing a crowd gathered for the NCP’s ongoing “Desh Gorte July Padayatra” campaign.
His message was direct: the sacrifices made during the July uprising could not be erased by temporary political deals.
“No revolutionary force that has faced death and endured can be bought so easily,” he continued. “No political party in Bangladesh has ever had the means to purchase our principles.”
Focus on Reform, Not Positions
The NCP has repeatedly emphasized its commitment to long-term political transformation. Central to that vision is the establishment of a new constitution, a justice-oriented system, and a break from what it sees as a corrupt and extractive political culture.
“Those clinging to the old order – built on violence and extortion – are deluding themselves if they believe we’ll return to business as usual after so much sacrifice,” Nahid told the audience.
He added that the struggle’s human cost is too high for a return to the status quo. “The blood that’s been shed in this movement won’t allow a simple return to the past.”
Unity Government Proposal Dismissed
The NCP previously proposed the formation of a national unity government in early August. The idea, according to Nahid, was designed to break through partisan gridlock and begin a collective effort toward rebuilding state institutions.
“We called for unity, for a government above party divisions to rebuild the nation,” he said.
That proposal was not met with interest from the BNP, who, according to Nahid, rejected the concept and instead pushed for swift elections within three to six months. “They showed no interest in reform – only in dividing power,” he added.
Momentum Ahead of Elections
With tensions building in Bangladesh, the NCP is doubling down on reforms and growing its support on the ground.
The “Desh Gorte July Padayatra” campaign continues to tour various districts, aiming to maintain visibility and momentum leading into the next electoral phase.
It’s unclear if the message will resonate nationwide, but Saturday’s rally showed the NCP won’t settle for surface-level reforms over its core demands.
