NCP welcomes polls schedule, calls for neutrality, security

National Citizen Party (NCP) on Thursday welcomed the announcement of the national election schedule, calling it a promising step toward a new political era and expressing hope that the 12 February election and referendum will advance meaningful reforms and strengthen participatory democracy.

At a press conference in the evening, NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary thanked the government and the Election Commission (EC) for declaring the schedule, saying Bangladesh was now “heading toward a meaningful election on 12 February”.

"Our final commitment was that the national referendum must be held on polling day. We thank the government and the EC for upholding that commitment," he said.

Patwary lauded government initiatives to enable expatriate Bangladeshis to vote and welcomed the EC's decision to cap election expenses at Tk10 per voter or Tk25 lakh per candidate.

He urged the Commission to ensure strict enforcement of these limits for all contestants to prevent discrimination.

Acknowledging the authorities' goodwill, the NCP leader voiced concern about neutrality and operational capacity.

He cited recent incidents, including the stabbing of three NCP activists in Narayanganj and the assault of a journalist in Dhaka-2 while covering NCP activities.

Reports of weapons in several constituencies had also raised questions about the election environment, he added.

"In the past, money, muscle and godfather culture dominated elections. We are not yet convinced that the Election Commission can prevent these elements this time," Patwary said, noting that doubts remained about the EC's ability to function without partisan influence.

"Despite the concerns, we are going to the polls. We urge citizens to take charge of their polling centres. No armed group, criminal network or anyone involved in corruption, drugs or money laundering should be allowed to influence the vote," he said.

Patwary said the NCP still did not see adequate signs of a strong law-and-order environment needed for peaceful polls, and reaffirmed the party's longstanding demand for reconstituting the Election Commission.

"But since this Commission is conducting the upcoming polls, it must now prove through action-not words-that it stands with the people, not any political force," he said.

The NCP leader also expressed concern about online harassment targeting the party's female candidates.

He recalled urging the authorities to form a monitoring cell to prevent cyberbullying against female contestants and young activists, saying there had been "no significant progress" and calling for the cell to be established immediately.

Describing Bangladesh as "entering a new era," Patwary said the EC and the government must rise above partisan considerations to deliver a free, fair and credible election.

He added that the announcement of the schedule had disproved predictions that the authorities would halt reforms or avoid elections.

"We hope the people will stand behind the reform process through the referendum and the future Reform Assembly," he said, urging all political parties to campaign for a "Yes" vote to build "a new Bangladesh for the next hundred years," echoing the chief adviser's remarks.

Explaining the party's decision to participate in the election despite earlier reservations, Patwary said the inclusion of the referendum and the formation of a Reform Assembly-tasked with drafting a new constitution-had addressed NCP's major concerns.

"Since the process of reform has already begun, we are taking part in the election," he said.

He said the party had no objections to the schedule at present but would raise issues if inconsistencies emerged upon further review.

Asked about discussions regarding former adviser Asif Mahmud potentially joining the NCP, Patwary said the party had refrained from commenting earlier because Mahmud was part of the government until the schedule was announced.

"We welcome all who are committed to reform and change. But we never infringe on personal freedom. Our statement about Mahfuj Alam was part of our long-standing effort to build a cultured and civil society," he said.

"We want to build a just, humane and civilized society based on equality, dignity and justice. This is the spirit of our Liberation War, and this is the goal of our struggle," Patwary added.