United News of Bangladesh

National Citizen Party (NCP) is unlikely to field candidates in the three constituencies where BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is expected to contest in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, said party Convener Nahid Islam. “We may not nominate any candidate out of respect for those, including Khaleda Zia, who played a role in the country’s July movements,” Nahid told reporters on Wednesday while visiting the family of late freedom fighter Gazi Salahuddin in Godnail, Narayanganj. Read more: NCP to field candidates in all 300 seats: Nahid Nahid said the NCP’s preliminary list of candidates will be announced by November 15, as the party is preparing to contest the election independently and has already completed groundwork to nominate candidates in all other constituencies. “In today’s politics, those with muscle power, black money, and local godfather influence dominate elections. But the NCP will challenge that toxic culture,” Nahid said, emphasising that his party wants honest, hardworking individuals to represent ordinary citizens in Parliament. Regarding possible alliances, Nahid said any coalition would have to be based on ideological alignment. “If any party supports our reform proposals under the July Charter, we may consider forming an alliance,” he added. Read more: Abbas fears interim govt may use illegal means to secure win for Jamaat, NCP

The National Citizen Party (NCP) will contest the upcoming national election with the 'Shapla Kali' symbol and plans to field candidates in all 300 constituencies, said its convener Nahid Islam. In a video message to the nation on Tuesday (4th November 2025) night, Nahid said the party expects to finalise its list of candidates within November. “We have submitted all necessary documents to the Election Commission in June for registration, but the commission delayed in approving our desired symbol ‘Shapla’,” he said. “After months of back-and-forth with the Election Commission, NCP finally obtained the ‘Shapla Kali’ symbol,” he added. Read more: NCP among three parties set to get EC’s registration Nahid said the party has continued working for the people throughout the period, reaching out to communities through its July campaign and gaining strong public response. “We’ve built public opinion across the country in favour of reform and continue to speak for justice,” he said. Confirming preparations for the parliamentary election expected in February, Nahid said, “We are ready for the election. Inshallah, we’ll field candidates in all 300 seats under the ‘Shapla Kali’ symbol.” Calling upon new faces to join the party, Nahid said NCP welcomes everyone who wishes to engage in honest politics and rebuild Bangladesh. Read more: Abbas fears interim govt may use illegal means to secure win for Jamaat, NCP “We will nominate competent, honest, and patriotic candidates in every constituency,” he said, expressing hope that the public support the party has earned will be reflected in the election results.

The Election Commission has decided to award registration to three political parties, including the National Citizen Party (NCP), said EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed on Tuesday (4th November 2025). The two other parties are Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (Marxist) and Bangladesh Aamjanagan Party. “We’ve verified the authenticity of their documents submitted with the registration applications. The Commission considered that these three parties are eligible for registration,” he told reporters at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital. A public notification will be published in newspapers regarding the registration of these parties on Wednesday, the EC Secretary added. A public notification will be published in newspapers on Wednesday inviting objections, if any, against the registration of the parties, the EC Secretary added. Earlier on September 30 last, the EC Secretary said the two parties – National Citizen Party-NCP and Bangladesh Jatiya League – preliminarily met the registration conditions. The applications of 12 other parties are under further review. Read more: NCP forms 10-member Election Steering Committee led by Nasiruddin Patwary Meanwhile, Bangladesh Jatiya League was dropped from the list of eligible parties. On March 10, 2025 the Commission invited applications from the new political parties by April 20 next to get registered ahead of the 13th parliamentary election. The EC received applications from 143 parties seeking registration within the extended deadline of June 22 last. After scrutiny, 22 parties were shortlisted for field-level inquiries to verify the authenticity of their claims of fulfillment of registration conditions. A total of 57 parties have so far obtained registration, but five of them—Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Freedom Party, Oikyabodha Nagorik Andolan, PDP and Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (Jagpa)—later lost their status due to different grounds and court orders. But Jamaat and Jagpa got back their registration following the court orders. Besides, the registration of Awami League remains suspended. Read more: Abbas fears interim govt may use illegal means to secure win for Jamaat, NCP 

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has announced a 10-member Election Steering Committee, naming its Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary as the head. The announcement came through a press release signed by NCP Convener Nahid Islam and Member Secretary Akhter Hossen, issued on Monday (3rd November 2025) night. Dr Tasnim Jara, the party’s Senior Joint Member Secretary, has been appointed as the committee’s secretary. Read more: BNP announces possible candidates for 237 constituencies Other members of the committee include Senior Joint Convener Ariful Islam Adib; Joint Conveners Mahbub Alam Mahir, Khaled Saifullah, and Ehtesham Haque; Joint Member Secretaries Advocate Abdullah Al Amin, Alauddin Mohammad, Advocate Zahirul Islam Musa, and Advocate Humayra Noor; Joint Chief Organiser (Northern Region) Saifullah Haidar; and Joint Chief Coordinator and National Youth Force Convener Advocate Md Tarikul Islam. According to the media  release, the committee will oversee NCP’s overall preparation and planning for the 2026 national election, covering areas such as candidate selection, field coordination, legal and administrative affairs, media and publicity, and training and monitoring activities. Read more: JnUCSU Election: Student bodies move to form ‘inclusive panels’

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Tuesday said that a draft of the much-anticipated ‘July Charter’ has been prepared and is expected to be announced by August 5. “After the 1990 mass uprising, political parties betrayed the people and the student community. This time, the July Charter must have the consensus of all political parties and elections must be held on its basis with full legal backing,” he said. Nahid was speaking at a street rally organised by the Gazipur Metropolitan and District units of the NCP on Rajbari Road in the city. “The draft of the July Charter has been prepared, " he said. "We have said that there must be consensus among the political parties on this and elections must be held based on the July document and it must have a legal basis. Whichever government comes to power, it will be obliged to implement these reforms. We hope that by August 5, the interim government and political parties will present the July Charter,” he said. Sylhet will be a key base for NCP in future Bangladesh: Nahid Islam Earlier in the day, the party also held a rally in Mawna of Sreepur upazila, as part of their ongoing campaign across the country. Nahid Islam reiterated his party’s stance on what he termed the fight for a "new Bangladesh." He alleged that despite intimidation efforts by "terror elements" in Gazipur, NCP would not be deterred. “They couldn’t stop us in Gopalganj and they won’t stop us in Gazipur either. We’ve reached 64 districts and will continue our movement. We’ve declared that every inch of Bangladesh’s land will be freed from Mujibism, and those responsible will be brought to justice,” said Nahid. He also urged the people to stand by the families of the martyred and  injured in the mass uprising. Speaking at the rally, Hasnat Abdullah, an organiser of the party, said “Sheikh Hasina turned the army into construction workers and used the police as political tools.” He added that reforms are underway to prevent the political misuse of law enforcement and if given the chance, NCP would modernise and strengthen the army, he said. Moderated by NCP organiser Sarjis Alam the rally was addressed by several other leaders of the party.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) on Tuesday demanded that the implementation of the July Charter be given a legal foundation before the next parliamentary election. “We've clearly said that the implementation of the consensus points reached in the dialogue must be ensured through a legal framework before the election, and the next parliament election must be held based on that,” said NCP Joint Convener Javed Rasin. He placed the demand at a press briefing during the lunch break of the 21st session of the second-round reform dialogue between the National Consensus Commission and political parties in the city’s Foreign Service Academy. The NCP leader said his party has already conveyed this position verbally to the NCC and would submit it in writing, if needed. Rasin said although the Commission earlier spoke of six decision-making methods, it released the draft charter suddenly without consulting on those methods. “This is not a proper approach,” he said. NCP postpones rallies in Feni, Noakhali, Lakshmipur after Milestone plane crash “We strongly oppose this. There has not even been a discussion about the procedures of decision-making. Releasing a draft without that is unacceptable to us,” Rasin added. On the caretaker government issue, he said several days of dialogue had focused on the ranked choice voting method to select the chief of the caretaker government. Under the latest proposal, two additional members from the judiciary would be added to form a seven-member committee that will cast votes in the ranked choice system. “We support this proposal. Almost all political parties agree with it except BNP and a few of its allies,” he said. The NCP leader said his party has stressed the need for implementing fundamental reforms that are essential to dismantle what he described as the existing fascist structure. “If these reforms are not implemented, NCP will hold internal discussions on whether to sign the July Charter,” he sadded.

Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP) Nahid Islam on Wednesday said his party does not support appointments to constitutional institutions under previous rules and practices. He made the remark during a break in the second phase of talks between political parties and the National Consensus Commission (NCC) held at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital on Wednesday. “We have reached a consensus on the National Constitutional Council (NCC). Through this, appointments to key state and constitutional positions will be made. On behalf of the National Citizens' Party, we have expressed support for the NCC,” Nahid said. He acknowledged differences among parties on the formation process of the council, saying, “Many parties have differing views on its structure. We also have some alternative proposals in this regard. However, in principle, a significant number of parties have taken a stand in favour of the NCC.” The NCP chief highlighted past concerns with key institutions, saying, “There has been extensive discussion around the Election Commission. From past experience, we know how important institutions like the National Human Rights Commission, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), and Election Commission were politicised. Therefore, we do not support any appointments to these bodies under the old laws and previous rules.” He said a proposal has been put forward by the Consensus Commission. “We have said those opposing the NCC should present alternative proposals, if any, because this concern must be addressed. It is imperative to ensure that constitutional institutions remain neutral,” he added. Jamaat says it boycotted first day of NCC talks in 'symbolic protest' Expressing hope for collective progress, Nahid said, “I believe all parties will come to a consensus in the national interest, rising above party lines and showing respect for the aspirations of a democratic state.” Describing the formation of the NCC as a step towards balancing power, Nahid said, “Our journey towards a new Bangladesh aims to reduce the overwhelming power of the executive branch. That is why we support the formation of the NCC. The NCC should not have the authority to appoint the head of the armed forces. Besides, the President and Chief Justice should not be part of the council. This issue requires further discussion.” About concerns raised by NCC opponents, he said, “Some argue that this weakens the executive branch or the Prime Minister’s authority. We have clearly said that there is no reason to think so. Determining who will be appointed to these institutions is not the responsibility of the executive. In fact, the way the Prime Minister exercised power previously was unfair and undemocratic. We must break away from that system and culture.”

National Citizen Party (NCP) and the Gono Odhikar Parishad  on Tuesday accused the National Consensus Commission of favouring a specific political party through a series of decisions. They also criticised the inclusion of obscure parties in the dialogue, calling the move questionable and biased. Speaking on the second round of discussions held by the commission, Ariful Islam Adib, joint convener of the NCP, alleged that the commission has leaned towards the proposals made by the BNP on the issue of reform. “The commission is behaving in a biased manner to benefit a particular party,” he said. While mechanisms such as ordinances or referendums had previously been discussed regarding reforms, the commission is now placing more emphasis on electoral and post-election reforms, Adib said, expressing concern over the shift in approach, implying it was orchestrated to serve specific political interests. “Several parties have been invited to the discussions despite lacking any organisational structure or official registration. These parties have appeared only to lend support to the stance of a particular political group. Whatever that party suggests, these others simply endorse it. On the other hand, anyone voicing disagreement is being shouted down,” Adib said. Referring to last year’s mass uprising in July, Adib emphasised that it was not a success achieved by political parties but by the general public. “The July Charter cannot be dependent solely on political parties’ decisions. It must reflect the views of professional organisations and the general populace,” he asserted. Movement over govt service ordinance to continue until its withdrawal: Protesters  Echoing similar sentiments, Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur stressed the need for a referendum in the reform process. “Back in the 1990s, many agreed on various reforms. But nothing significant was achieved. If real reform is desired, there is no alternative to a referendum,” Nur said. Criticising the participation of so-called fringe parties in the dialogue, Nur questioned, “I don’t know under what criteria the commission is inviting them. Many of these groups are barely known, yet they’re part of the discussions. This undermines the credibility of the dialogue.” When asked why Gono Parishad, which had previously focused on elections, is now prioritising reform, Nur explained, “Since 5 August, there has been no significant shift in the balance of power. From what I’ve observed in my own constituency, the environment is still not conducive to holding fair elections. That is why we are demanding reforms through a referendum.” Like the NCP, the Gono Parishad also emphasised that the July Charter must be inclusive and not solely driven by political parties, but reflect participation from all sectors of society.

Emphasising the need for financial transparency to reform the country’s overall political culture, Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP) Nahid Islam on Wednesday urged all political parties to adopt clear financial policies and called on the Election Commission to enforce stricter regulations. Speaking at a press conference held at the party’s temporary central office at Rupayan Tower in the capital, the NCP leader announced the party’s financial policy and launched a crowdfunding campaign aimed at encouraging public participation in politics. "Financial transparency and accountability must be ensured in our political culture. This is a core principle of the National Citizen Party. However, one party alone cannot change the entire political landscape. All parties must come forward and embrace financial transparency if we are to see qualitative improvement in Bangladesh’s political culture,” he said. BNP unveils 180-day economic action plan ahead of national election He went on to say, "The Election Commission also has to be firm. During elections, misuse of money and muscle power becomes common. If the EC frames strong laws and ensures their strict implementation, we believe positive changes will come." Highlighting NCP’s grassroots foundation, he said, “We have emerged from the people’s movement. If people do not support us, we cannot survive politically or morally. Our goal is to earn public trust and support—crowdfunding is our way of doing that.” Nahid Islam urged supporters not to provide funds to any individual, saying, “We have established a centralized financial system. All our bank and mobile accounts are in the party’s name. No one should send money to any personal or unofficial accounts. NCP does not believe in such practices.” He reiterated the party’s commitment to honesty, transparency and accountability, adding, “We will publish full disclosure of our expenditures so that the public knows exactly where their money is being spent.”

The first round of dialogues between the National Consensus Commission and political parties, aimed at building consensus on the reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government, concluded on Monday after two months of discussions. “The first phase of talks with political parties, which began two months ago, concluded today (Monday),” said Vice Chairman of the Consensus Commission Prof Ali Riaz while presiding over the discussion with Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Complex. On March 20 last, the Consensus Commission opened a series of talks with political parties to forge a national consensus on state reform initiatives. The commission held talks with 33 political parties, including BNP, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizen Party (NCP). Prof Ali Riaz said the Consensus Commission will start the second round of dialogues soon to reach consensus on reform agendas. Jamaat joins talks with Consensus Commission for day 2 “In the dialogues with political parties, we have been able to reach consensus on many issues and we also have differences of opinion on several issues. We will soon begin the second phase of talks and discuss all the issues on which there are differences of opinion,” he said. Prof Ali Riaz hoped that the commission could move forward quickly in preparing a national charter through unresolved issue-based discussions. A seven-member CPB delegation, led by Ruhin Hossain Prince, attended its second day of talks with the Consensus Commission. Formed on February 15, 2025, under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, the Commission was tasked with shaping a unified national stance on critical reforms. The commission, in its initial phase, compiled key recommendations from five reform commissions — addressing constitutional, public administration, electoral, judicial, and anti-corruption reforms — and shared them with 39 political parties for feedback. At least 34 political parties, including BNP, Jamaat and NCP, responded by sending their reform opinions in broad sheets to the Consensus Commission. NCP joins talks with Consensus Commission for 2nd day The National Consensus Commission aims to reach a national consensus by mid-July to prepare a national charter to reform the state structures.