NCP Convener Nahid Islam today spoke a discussion marking the launch of the UTF at the Poet Shamsur Rahman Auditorium of Bangla Academy, Dhaka. Photo : BSS

DHAKA, Nov 7, 2025 (BSS) - National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam today said the party will move towards elections only after the swift implementation of the July Charter.

"There is no scope for any 'note of dissent' in the charter. What has been agreed upon through consensus will remain, the rest will be decided by the people," Nahid told a discussion marking the launch of the University Teachers' Forum (UTF) at the Poet Shamsur Rahman Auditorium of Bangla Academy this afternoon.

The NCP chief urged the Chief Adviser's intervention to implement the July Charter.

Nahid Islam, however, expressed optimism that the forthcoming elections would be held based on the legal framework of the July Charter, embodying the aspirations of the student-led mass uprising. 

"We wish to see the next parliament and the reform council composed of youth, teachers, women, minorities and professionals from all walks of life, ensuring that the spirit of the July Charter is fulfilled," he said.

Reiterating his earlier stance, Nahid said, "We have made it clear that the order for the July Charter must be issued by Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Before the election, our priority remains holding the referendum as demanded."

Nahid also said all those who took part in the July uprising should have representation in the upcoming parliament, which, he said, would form a reform council to work on a new constitution.

"Teachers must be part of that process and NCP will make sure of their participation," he added.

Recalling teachers' role in the July uprising, Nahid said, "The nation will forever remember the contribution of teachers in the July uprising. For the past 16 years, promotions in academia were determined by political allegiance, allowing fascist structures to persist. Without transforming the mindset of individuals and society, fascism cannot be eradicated."

The central convening committee of the University Teachers' Forum (UTF) was announced, with Dhaka University Professor Md Sirajul Islam as Convener and Dhaka International University Professor Shamim Hamidi as Member Secretary. 

The UTF declaration was read out by Professor Sirajul Islam, while teachers from various universities also spoke at the discussion.