NCP-Jamaat alliance ready for polls, seat details to drop soon

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam said on Saturday that the NCP-Jamaat alliance is fully prepared for the 13th parliamentary election, with formal seat distribution to be announced within a day or two.
Speaking to reporters after meeting the European Union’s election observation delegation, led by Chief Observer Ivars Ijabs, at Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka, Nahid Islam said internal preparations for the alliance were complete, leaving only the official announcement pending.
While other political alliances remain mired in uncertainty over seat sharing, Nahid Islam expressed confidence in his coalition’s readiness. 
However, he raised concerns over what he described as a lack of trust among parties regarding a “level playing field.” 
He alleged that the provision of government facilities and protocols to certain parties sends a biased signal to the administration, potentially creating electoral inequality.
“We believe that by offering special government facilities, particularly protocol, to a specific party, a signal is being sent that could undermine a level playing field. This conveys a message at various administrative levels about which side the government favours,” he said.
Nahid Islam also criticised media coverage, claiming that certain outlets are publishing targeted negative or false news about the NCP. 
“We have repeatedly urged the government and the Election Commission to ensure equal opportunities and a level playing field, both administratively and in media coverage,” he added.
On the issue of loan-defaulter candidates, the NCP leader said many initially approved candidates should have been disqualified. 
“Despite the numbers being higher, only a few have been barred. We call on the Election Commission to adopt a stricter approach,” he said.
Regarding the EU observation mission, Nahid Islam noted that a substantial team will monitor the polls to ensure a fair, competitive, and credible election, with a smooth transfer of power once results are declared.
He also highlighted growing security concerns, pointing to the killing of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, convener of Inqilab Moncho, which has created fear among political actors. 
“With the perpetrators still at large, a sense of insecurity persists in the election field,” he said.

The reporter can be reached at: [email protected]