Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), announced that NCP will release its preliminary list of candidates by 15 November, aiming to contest all 300 parliamentary seats.

He also made it clear that any alliance or understanding with other political parties will be driven purely by ideology, not by opportunism or strategy.

“If a political party shows solidarity with the reformist demands of the July Charter, we may consider an alliance. Until then, NCP will contest the elections independently,” he said after meeting the family of Shaheed July fighter Gazi Salahuddin at Godnail in Siddhirganj of Narayanganj on Wednesday (5 November).

He added, “Out of respect for those who led anti-fascist movements and the struggle to establish democracy, we will refrain from fielding candidates in certain constituencies. In all other areas, our candidates will run under the Shapla Kali symbol.”

“The electoral culture in Bangladesh must change,” Nahid declared. “Our participation is a direct challenge to those manipulating politics through money, influence, and godfatherism. We demand that ordinary, honest, and popular people enter parliament—representatives the public can truly rely on.”

Expressing deep concern over Gazi Salahuddin’s death, Islam condemned the interim government’s failure to provide adequate medical care to July fighters. “Negligence has caused the number of martyrs and injured to rise continuously. Many require long-term treatment, yet it remains unaddressed,” he said.

Urging the government, he said, “Treatment for all fighters injured or harmed during the mass uprising must be guaranteed. Failure to do so will only perpetuate the march of deaths.”

Addressing the circumstances of Salahuddin’s death, he said, “He was reportedly harassed by members of a political party just days before his death. The matter has reached the police station, raising serious concerns about the political safety of July fighters.”

“The NCP stands firmly with the July fighters. All political parties and the government must take responsibility for their welfare. Their sacrifices are what drove out fascism and laid the foundation for a new Bangladesh,” Nahid asserted.

Concluding his remarks, he warned, “Even amid the election campaign, we must not forget our martyrs and injured. Whoever forms the next government, this responsibility cannot be ignored or compromised.”