National Citizen Party (NCP) on Wednesday urged the Election Commission (EC) to reconsider the dates for the submission of nomination papers and withdrawal of candidacies, keeping the voting date unchanged for the upcoming national election and the referendum scheduled for February 12.
“They have given us several dates — when nomination papers will be submitted and when the candidacy can be withdrawn. We requested them today (Wednesday) to think about whether these dates can be reconsidered," NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary told reporters after a meeting between a NCP delegation and Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at the latter’s office in the city.
The Election Commission on December 11 announced the schedule to hold the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order on February 12 next.
According to the announced schedule, the last date for submission of nomination papers is December 29, the scrutiny of nomination papers will be held from December 30 to January 4, while the last date for withdrawal of candidature is January 20.
The election campaign will start on January 22 and continue till 48 hours before the balloting period (7:30am on February 10).
Patwary alleged that the Awami League, in different ways, along with India, is trying to destabilise Bangladesh in an attempt to delay the election.
“The Election Commission wants to organise the election on February 12. From the National Citizen Party, we have said that this announced date must not be postponed and that the election should be held on time. Because the Awami League, in different ways, and India, are trying to destabilise Bangladesh to delay the election. We asked the Election Commission today to ensure that the election is held on schedule,” he said.
Replying to a question if there are any concerns regarding the February 12 elections, he said there are concerns in Bangladesh, but NCP repeatedly urged the Election Commission to ensure that the election is held on February 12.
“We have asked the Election Commission not to make any small mistakes that could cause the (polling) date to be postponed. Today, we requested whether the nomination papers related dates could be reconsidered,” he said.
Asked whether NCP candidates would contest the election using any other party’s symbol, the NCP leader said they will not contest using any other symbol.
“We’ve formed an electoral alliance, but we will contest the election with the ‘Shapla Kali’ (Water Lily Bud) symbol. We will urge other parties not to sell off their own distinct identity. There may not be opportunities today, but opportunities will come in the future,” he said.
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In reply to a question if NCP has any doubts or concerns regarding the election, Nasiruddin said they do have concerns as one aspirant has already been killed. “We have instructed our candidates to follow the Election Commission rules. At the same time, we have told the Election Commission to ensure security for candidates of all parties,” he said.
NCP Joint Member Secretary Zahirul Islam Musa was present at the time.