In a week marked by fervent political activity and renewed debates about Bangladesh’s democratic future, two major developments have captured national attention: the National Citizen Party’s (NCP) high-stakes general meeting in Dhaka and the government’s firm commitment to holding national elections in February 2026. These events, while distinct, are deeply intertwined in shaping the country’s political discourse and the road ahead.
The NCP, a party that has recently drawn both scrutiny and support for its bold calls for systemic reform, convened a two-day general meeting on August 13 and 14, 2025, at its temporary central office in Banglamotor, Dhaka. Around 150 party leaders gathered, dedicating nearly 17 hours to rigorous debate and soul-searching. The agenda was ambitious: reviewing the outcomes of July’s nationwide marches, dissecting recent controversies, and—most importantly—charting a clear path forward amid a volatile political landscape.
According to Prothom Alo, the meeting began at 5:00 pm on August 13, stretching into the early hours before adjourning at 3:00 am, only to resume again the following evening and continue until midnight. The marathon discussions reflected the urgency and gravity of the moment for the NCP, which has positioned itself as a principled alternative to both the compromise-prone Freedom Party and the more radical Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD).
Central to the NCP’s deliberations was a review of the party’s month-long countrywide marches in July 2025, which spanned 60 districts. These marches, designed to galvanize grassroots support for political reform, were not without incident. On July 16, a clash erupted during the NCP’s march in Gopalganj, prompting the cancellation of subsequent marches in Madaripur and Shariatpur. The situation grew even more complicated after a Bangladesh Air Force fighter jet crashed at Milestone School and College in Diabari, Uttara, on July 21, leading to the suspension of marches in Feni, Noakhali, and Lakshmipur. The party discussed rescheduling these events, but as of the meeting, no new dates had been set.
Beyond logistical setbacks, the NCP’s internal debates also focused on the party’s July 5 declaration marking July Uprising Day. Several members criticized the document, arguing that it failed to capture the true spirit and aspirations of the uprising. The meeting further addressed the controversy over a Cox’s Bazar trip undertaken by five senior NCP leaders on August 5—a move some considered ill-timed, given the day’s historical significance. While acknowledging the need for greater sensitivity, party leaders also voiced frustration over what they described as a “media trial” and unwarranted intelligence surveillance targeting the NCP.
Throughout these discussions, the party’s core message remained consistent: the NCP would neither succumb to the compromises of the Freedom Party nor repeat what it called the “recklessness” of the JSD. Instead, it would pursue a clear and honest path toward a new constitution, to be achieved through elections to a constituent assembly. As one senior leader told Prothom Alo, “The party will be neither compromising like the Freedom Party nor reckless like the JSD, but will remain clear and honest in its goal of achieving a new constitution through constituent assembly elections.”
The NCP’s approach places a premium on political pressure, with the immediate focus not on the next general election, but rather on implementing the July Charter of Reforms. This document, rooted in calls for fundamental changes to the political order, is seen by party faithful as the blueprint for a more just and representative Bangladesh. The meeting also highlighted the need for broader changes across the bureaucracy, business sector, and other key institutions—an ambitious agenda, to say the least.
After the meeting, NCP leaders emerged energized, chanting slogans such as “the people now demand – constituent assembly elections” and “the solution for Bangladesh – a new constitution.” Senior joint convener Ariful Islam Adib summarized the party’s position: “The two-day general meeting was mainly about discussing our future political direction. We talked about political plans and programmes for justice, the July Charter based on fundamental reforms, and constituent assembly elections for a new constitution.”
While the NCP was mapping its reformist course, the government was making its own moves to reassure the public—and political rivals—that the timeline for national elections remains firmly in place. On August 15, 2025, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam visited the July Mass Uprising martyrs’ memorial in Magura, where he addressed journalists and left little room for ambiguity. As reported by BSS, he declared, “There is no doubt about the February election. The Election Commission has already started its work. Those who are casting doubts have nothing to worry about.”
Alam’s remarks, delivered against the solemn backdrop of the martyrs’ graves, were designed to dispel speculation about possible delays. He emphasized that the government had already fixed the election timeline, and that preparations by the Election Commission were well underway. “Once the election schedule is announced, candidates will go to the people, talk to them, and true election enthusiasm will be created then. This will dispel all doubts,” he said, projecting confidence that the post-monsoon season would usher in a festive electoral atmosphere.
During his visit, Alam paid tribute by laying floral wreaths at the graves of Chhatra Dal leader Mehedi Hasan Rabbi and Haque Al Amin, both of whom died during the 2024 Mass Uprising. He also pledged to visit the graves of eight more martyrs in the coming days, underscoring the government’s commitment to honoring those who, in his words, made “undeniable” contributions to building a new Bangladesh.
The juxtaposition of the NCP’s reformist zeal and the government’s insistence on electoral continuity highlights the complex dynamics at play. While the ruling establishment is eager to project stability and adherence to democratic norms, the NCP and other opposition groups continue to press for deeper structural changes—arguing that the current constitution no longer serves the nation’s needs.
As the February 2026 election draws closer, all eyes will be on how these competing visions play out. Will the NCP’s calls for a constituent assembly and a new constitution gain traction, or will the government’s assurances of a free and fair election be enough to maintain the status quo? For now, the only certainty is that Bangladesh’s political landscape remains as vibrant—and unpredictable—as ever.
