United News of Bangladesh

In a scathing attack, National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Coordinator and Jamaat-led 11-party alliance candidate for Dhaka-8 Nasiruddin Patwary on Saturday described BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman as a ‘paper tiger’ and Chhatra Dal and Jubo Dal ‘terrorist organisations’. “Tarique Rahman’s pressure sometimes leads the government to open fire on the July movement activists, and sometimes on its own people. Tarique Rahman is actually a paper tiger. There is nothing to fear about him,” Nasiruddin said while addressing a rally titled ‘Rally for Bangladesh’ organised by July Oikya at the Central Shaheed Minar in the afternoon. Criticising both Tarique Rahman and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, he said, “Yunus Sir, out of fear of Tarique Rahman, went to London and made a deal with BNP. There is nothing to fear about him. Tarique Rahman. The real Royal Bengal Tiger is the Inqilab Moncho.” Alleging manipulation of the electoral process, Nasiruddin said the Election Commission was moving towards ‘selection in the name of election’. “To ensure Tarique Rahman’s victory, the government has made elaborate arrangements to bring him back to the country. Tarique Rahman and the BNP are being provided with so many facilities and support. This is not a democratic election; this is a selection in the name of an election,” he said. Nasiruddin went on to say, “Those who are loan defaulters and hold dual citizenship were not supposed to be eligible for elections. But by creating mobs in front of the Commission with terrorist organisations like Chhatra Dal and Jubo Dal, extortionists and loan defaulters have been given the opportunity to contest.” Referring to slain Dhaka-8 aspirant and Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Osman Hadi, Nasiruddin quoted him as saying, “Hadi bhai had said that if he went to Parliament, he would deprive extortionists of sleep. Today Hadi bhai is no more, but thousands of Hadis have been born. We will not only keep the extortionists awake—we will make their lives unbearable. If they die, we will put up signboards on their graves saying ‘extortionist’.” Polling environment hampered by admin’s inaction: NCP Nasiruddin also claimed that the attack on Inqilab Moncho activists at Shahbagh and in front of the Chief Adviser’s official residence Jamuna on Friday—during protests demanding justice for Osman Hadi’s killing—was aimed at thwarting the national election scheduled for February 12. “An influential group within the interim government itself wants to derail the election,” he alleged, adding, “No matter what, the election must be held on February 12.”

National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Organiser (South Region) and Comilla-4 candidate Hasnat Abdullah has pledged to safeguard the honor of mothers and sisters, even if it means risking their own life. He made the remarks while campaigning at Khairabad High School ground in Jafarganj of Debidwar upazila on Thursday. He also urged women to exercise their voting right to freely and warned that any obstruction to this would be firmly addressed. Read More: BNP 'practiced' polling booth capture in attacking NCP's Dhaka-18 candidate: Hasnat  Hasnat Abdullah later campaigned in several places in his constituency and held election meetings.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Jamaat-led 11-party alliance candidate for the Dhaka-11 constituency Nahid Islam on Wednesday said the BNP has failed to field any ‘credible challenger’ in the national election scheduled for February 12. Talking to reporters during electioneering in Malibagh, Nahid alleged that the candidates contesting against them are either loan defaulters, dual citizenship holders, or involved in land grabbing, terrorism and extortion. “We are facing candidates who are either loan defaulters or dual citizens; otherwise, they are land grabbers, terrorists or extortionists. The opposition alliance could not nominate any worthy opponent,” he said. Referring to what he described as multi-layered conspiracies surrounding the election, Nahid claimed that both domestic and foreign plots are underway, with indications of ‘major conspiracies’ originating from a neighbouring country. Expressing confidence about forming the next government, Nahid said public response in favour of the 11-party alliance has been unprecedented. “You can see it yourselves—the people are responding overwhelmingly. I am hopeful that this alliance will secure the required number of seats in Parliament to form the government.” Claiming a strong position in his own constituency, Nahid said voters in Dhaka-11 are rallying behind them. “On February 12, people will deliver their verdict against corruption, extortion and terrorism. The ‘Shapla Koli’ symbol will emerge victorious in this constituency.” Nahid also alleged that a political party is exerting pressure on the media, accusing it of influencing coverage ahead of the polls. “The media is giving coverage to a particular party. There are also attempts to ensure that incidents like the takeover of polling centres on February 12 do not get reported,” he claimed.

National Citizen Party (NCP), a key partner in the Jamaat-led alliance for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum, on Friday unveiled its election manifesto, outlining an ambitious vision centred on governance reform, social justice and sustainable development. The party announced the manifesto at a programme held at a city hotel in Gulshan area, presenting a comprehensive set of commitments that place strong emphasis on education and healthcare reform, employment generation, women’s rights, environmental protection, energy security and the implementation of the July spirit. The manifesto also underscores the importance of foreign policy, national sovereignty and inclusive economic growth. According to NCP leaders, the manifesto prioritises accountability and rule of law, with pledges to ensure justice for past human rights violations, strengthen democratic institutions and enhance transparency in public administration. The party also highlighted plans to modernise the economy through tax reforms, inflation control, support for entrepreneurs and a transition towards a cashless and sustainable economic system. The manifesto further outlines initiatives to expand social protection, ensure fair wages, improve housing and urban transport, and promote youth participation in governance. Education and health sector reforms feature prominently, alongside commitments to migrant welfare, agricultural sustainability, food security and climate-resilient development. Measures to empower women, protect minorities, support persons with disabilities and uphold indigenous rights have also been given notable attention. NCP demands action over harassment of Nasiruddin, warns EC On foreign affairs and national security, the NCP reaffirmed its stance on safeguarding sovereignty, resolving regional humanitarian challenges through diplomacy and strengthening defence capabilities in line with modern needs. NCP Convener Nahid Islam, party spokesperson and Central Election Management Committee Chairman Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, along with other senior leaders, were present at the manifesto unveiling event.