Dhaka: National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam announced that the party will not engage in any compromise or seat-sharing arrangements with other political parties in the forthcoming national parliamentary election. Highlighting the party’s commitment to contest all 300 seats independently, Nahid emphasized that even if the party does not secure a single seat, it will adhere to its ideals, principles, and objectives. This declaration was made at a press conference at the Shaheed Abu Sayeed Convention Centre in Shahbagh.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the press conference was organized by the NCP’s Central Election Steering Committee following the conclusion of the nomination form sales, which took place from November 6 to 20. Following the briefing, the party initiated a views-exchange program with 1,484 nomination seekers who collected forms for the upcoming elections.
Nahid addressed circulating rumors and fabricated reports about the party, asserting that there is an effort to direct the NCP in a specific trajectory. He clarified that the party’s politics are intended for the people, and the NCP aims to reach them independently. He added that the party remains open to discussions only if another political entity aligns with the NCP’s manifesto, principles, and policy positions, indicating that any political understanding must be ideologically driven rather than based on power or positions.
Addressing misleading information in the media, Nahid remarked on the democratic culture of parties with differing views engaging in discussions and events, warning against misrepresentation of such engagements. He voiced concerns about a potential political divide over the July Charter, alleging that some parties are conspiring to orchestrate a negotiated election aimed at power-sharing, which could harm Bangladesh’s democracy and undermine new political aspirations.
Nahid criticized the lack of a level playing field for the coming polls, pointing to issues like administrative capture, muscle power, and illicit money affecting Bangladesh’s electoral culture. He urged the Election Commission, government, and administration to adopt strong, impartial stances to ensure a free and fair election, emphasizing the need for a neutral administration during the election period.
The NCP began interviewing its nomination aspirants today, continuing through Monday, from 9 am to 9 pm. Nahid stated that the party seeks to understand the dreams, competencies, and motivations of its nomination seekers and aims to finalize 300 candidates through a transparent process, with the central parliamentary board making the final decisions after preliminary screenings.
NCP’s Chief Coordinator and head of the Election Steering Committee, Nasiruddin Patwary, reported the distribution of 1,484 nomination forms, with 761 offline and 723 online, averaging five aspirants per seat. He noted the formation of ten interview boards based on ten administrative divisions.
Among those attending the press conference were NCP Chief Organizer (Northern Region) Sarjis Alam, Joint Convener Tasnim Jara, and senior NCP leaders Mujahidul Islam, Atik Mujahid, Abdullah Al Amin, and Md. Ataullah.