NCP to participate in elections to convey public vote, not to gain power: Nahid Islam

PNN News Desk, Dhaka

Ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election, the National Citizens Party (NCP) has clarified that their participation is intended to convey the public vote message rather than to win seats or come to power, said party convener Nahid Islam.

Speaking at an event in the party’s temporary office in Banglamotor on Wednesday, where the first phase of 125 candidates was announced, Nahid Islam stated he himself would contest from Dhaka-11. He said, “If our aim was only to win seats, we would have joined an alliance. Coming to power or increasing seats is not our priority.”

He expressed concerns over the election environment, claiming that NCP posters are being torn in various areas and that other parties are violating spending limits. He also raised concerns over arms displays, particularly from BNP and Jamaat, highlighting a continuation of violent practices. He urged the Election Commission to strictly monitor campaign expenses.

Regarding candidate nominations, he criticized the allocation of nominations to mafias and defaulters and noted that nominations for women, minorities, and youth have been prioritized. Complaints against nominated candidates will lead to disqualification.

He emphasized that this election is fundamentally about public voting, not power. NCP aims to translate anti-fascist public aspirations into the political process. Nahid Islam added that existing political parties failed to implement the demands of the July popular uprising, leading to the creation of NCP.

The remaining candidates for the other constituencies will be finalized within two days.