Nahid Islam, the convener of the Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP), has called for objective research, writing, and analysis on the July mass uprising in Bangladesh, stressing the need to document its history from a neutral perspective. The remarks were made during the revealing ceremony of the book “Journey of NCP,” the first publication written about the NCP, held on Friday.

Importance of Documenting the Uprising

Islam emphasized that the experiences of the past one and a half years have already shaped the vision for Bangladesh’s future and the nature of upcoming political struggles. He said more books should be written on the July mass uprising, and its history should be reflected in music, art, literature, and cultural works.

“After some time, we will better understand how the uprising actually unfolded,” Islam said, highlighting the need for a more thorough understanding of the events.

Origins of the NCP

Islam noted that the Jatiya Nagorik Committee was formed by leaders who had been organizing across the country over the past decade. He mentioned that the anti-discrimination movement was largely led by students on the ground, and that the NCP emerged from the convergence of these two forces.

The NCP convener welcomed the emergence of various platforms from the mass uprising but stated that the NCP has positioned itself as the political party representing the movement, as a large part of the uprising’s core leadership has joined the party.

He also alleged that propaganda about the NCP is being spread on social media and among diplomats, claiming that the party’s positions on different issues are often misrepresented through selective quotations from leaders. He said the book outlines the party’s stance on various issues.

Future Concerns and Political Implications

Islam further warned that Bangladesh could witness movements similar to those seen in Nepal in the future if economic security, reduction of inequality, and democratic reforms are not ensured. His remarks underscore the growing concerns about the socio-economic and political landscape in Bangladesh.

Among those present at the event were NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, the book’s author and NCP Joint Chief Coordinator Md Mahabub Alam, publisher Mahbub Rahman of Adarsha Publications, NCP Joint Conveners Sarwar Tushar and Mujahidul Islam Shahin, and Saif Ibn Sarwar, convener of NCP Diaspora Alliance, among others.

The July mass uprising, which took place in 2024, marked a significant shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape. It involved widespread protests against perceived government corruption, economic mismanagement, and the erosion of democratic principles. The movement saw a convergence of civil society, students, and opposition groups, leading to the formation of the NCP as a new political entity.

According to recent surveys, the uprising saw participation from over 10 million people across the country, with significant protests in major cities such as Dhaka, Chittagong, and Rajshahi. The movement led to the resignation of several senior officials and sparked a wave of political re-evaluation across the nation.

Analysts say that the NCP’s emergence is a direct response to the demands of the movement, which called for greater transparency, accountability, and political reform. The party has since positioned itself as the primary political voice of the uprising, with a growing number of activists and former movement leaders joining its ranks.

“The NCP is not just a political party, it is the embodiment of a movement that seeks to redefine Bangladesh’s political future,” said Islam during the event. He added that the party will continue to push for reforms and hold the government accountable for its actions.

With upcoming elections scheduled for 2025, the NCP’s influence is expected to grow, and its ability to consolidate support from the mass uprising will be a key factor in determining the political trajectory of the country.