DHAKA, Jan 30, 2026 (BSS) - National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Md Nahid Islam today said the only effective solution to combating the imperialist powers attempting to dominate Bangladesh is by strengthening the nation's own capabilities. 

"We are speaking out against imperialism; it is our slogan. But how will we fight against it? With the numerous global powers and forces trying to dominate Bangladesh, the only solution is to enhance our own capabilities. Building a strong economy and state is what will enhance our national dignity," he said.

Nahid was addressing the unveiling of the party's 36-point electoral manifesto titled "Youth and Dignity's Manifesto," held at the Lakeshore Grand Hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka. 

NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan was also present at the event.

"We, as the NCP, were born out of a people's uprising," Nahid Islam said, recalling the roots of the party in popular resistance. "Our leadership and ideals have emerged through revolution. We clearly stated at the Shaheed Minar that we would dismantle the fascist system and bring about a new political arrangement," he said 

Nahid added, "In the past 16 years and even in the 50 years since independence, a system has been created that has never allowed us to achieve true democracy. This system must be replaced by a new one that prevents autocratic repetition and ensures an inclusive society."

When discussing the electoral alliance and strategy, Nahid Islam responded to criticism about the NCP forming alliances with older parties, saying, "Some have questioned whether we have deviated from our goals by forming alliances. We want to make it clear that we remain steadfast in our demands." 

"This alliance is essentially an electoral unity formed based on a minimal agreement on certain political matters. If we share power within the government, the issues in our manifesto will be a priority, and we will work from within the government to implement them," he said.

Nahid added, "We named our manifesto 'Youth and Dignity's Manifesto' for two specific reasons. First, the tremendous awakening of youth in Bangladesh after the July 2024 mass uprising. The main challenge and opportunity for the future is how we can channel the energy of the youth to work for the state. That is why youth is our primary agenda."

The NCP leader also spoke about the importance of dignity, saying, "During the long years of fascism, we have seen how the dignity of our people was repeatedly undermined."

"Securing the human, economic, and political rights of citizens and ensuring the dignity of the state on the global stage is our primary goal. This is the reason behind naming our manifesto as such," he added.

Nahid Islam outlined the party's commitments, starting with the establishment of an independent commission to implement the July Charter, which include justice for the crimes committed during the period of political violence. 

"We will ensure justice for the killings of July and all other murders, including the Shapla and Pilkhana incidents, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings. This process will be transparent and of international standards," he said.

Nahid added, "Along with justice, we will form a 'Truth and Reconciliation Commission,' but let it be clear that reconciliation does not mean the rehabilitation of fascism or fascist politics. Instead, this commission will identify criminals through specific judicial processes and ensure the civic rights of the innocent."

To enhance national security and defense, Nahid Islam proposed creating a reserve force twice the size of the regular armed forces. "As part of the modernization of the military, within five years, we will form a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) brigade in the army and acquire at least eight medium-range surface-to-air missile batteries to strengthen air defense systems."

On foreign policy, Nahid Islam committed to taking strong diplomatic measures with India to stop border killings and to secure Bangladesh's fair share of water from rivers such as the Teesta. "If bilateral talks fail, we will resort to international courts," he said.

Nahid Islam also presented the NCP's pledge to introduce a program called 'Accountability,' where the annual income and budget of ministers and MPs will be scrutinized. He also promised to implement a national minimum wage of 100 Taka per hour and reduce inflation to 6%.

NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud highlighted the failure of the state to build a democratic and dignified society even after 55 years of independence.

"Acknowledging this failure is the first step toward state reform. We are not making unrealistic promises. We have presented what can be practically implemented over the next five years," he said, adding, "If NCP and the 11-party alliance come to power, we will play a responsible role in implementing these reforms through legal, policy, and administrative changes."