United News of Bangladesh

The National Citizen Party (NCP) on Wednesday alleged that the brother of its Kurigram-2 candidate Atiq Mujahid was attacked. In a Facebook post, the party claimed that Ashiq, brother of the NCP-nominated candidate, was attacked by Chhatra Dal President Amimul, Shaon, Sohel and around 35 BNP activists. The NCP said Ashiq was being taken to Rangpur for treatment. The party demanded immediate legal action over the incident.

National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan on Monday alleged that some activities of the Election Commission (EC) appear to be influenced by certain quarters. “Some activities of the Election Commission give us the impression that they are being carried out under influence,” he said, citing an example that the EC came away from engaging Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) cadets in the polling stations following a demand from a particular party. Asif Mahmud made the remarks while briefing reporters after a meeting between a delegation of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islam led 11-party alliance and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city. Voters secretly decided whom they’ll vote: Nahid He said the Election Commission informed them that the BNCC issue is under reconsideration, but the NCP has clearly demanded that BNCC members be allowed to remain deployed at polling centres. “This election is going to be different to some extent. In that context, having additional forces will be helpful in maintaining law and order,” he added. The NCP spokesperson also accused that the EC acted as per the recommendations of the BNP in case of administrative reshuffle. “Administrative reshuffles are supposed to be conducted through a normal and neutral process. But we are seeing that a particular party is being given special facilities. In some cases, when a candidate from a specific party proposes the withdrawal of an officer, that officer is removed on the same day or the following day,” he claimed. Asif Mahmud also alleged that when NCP candidates submitted written complaints to the Election Commission against certain officials, no replies are coming from the Election Commission.

A writ petition has been filed with the High Court challenging the eligibility of National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam to contest the Dhaka-11 seat election over allegations of dual citizenship. Shamim Ahmed, the Jatiya Party candidate for Dhaka-11, filed the petition on Monday, seeking a stay on Nahid’s candidacy. The Chief Election Commissioner, Election Commission Secretary, Returning Officer, and Nahid Islam have been named as respondents in the petition. Advocate Majnu Mollah represented the petitioner. According to the petition, Nahid obtained citizenship of Dominica on April 20, 2025, shortly after assuming the position of Adviser of the Council on August 8, 2024, which the petitioner claims violates Article 66(2)(ga) of the Constitution. The petition also alleges that Nahid concealed this information in his election affidavit. NCP pledges military training for youth if 11-party alliance comes to power Advocate Majnu Mollah said the writ petition will be placed before the High Court for hearing on Tuesday. The Dhaka-11 constituency covers the Gulshan areas, including wards 21, 22, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, and 42 of Dhaka North City Corporation, as well as ward 23 of Sabujbagh. A total of 4,39,078 voters—including 2,22,877 male, 2,16,198 female, and three third-gender voters—are expected to cast their votes in the election. BNP candidate MA Quayum is also contesting the Dhaka-11 seat.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam said on Sunday that the people of Bangladesh have already decided in secret whom they will vote for and are set to carry out that ‘great act’ on Thursday. In a televised address on Bangladesh Television in the evening, Nahid, also a candidate of the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance from Dhaka-11 constituency, said voters have quietly made up their minds in favour of what they consider the better option. “I believe the people have already secretly decided to vote for a comparatively better side. The intelligent, conscientious and aspirational people of Bangladesh will, God willing, perform this great act in secrecy on Thursday, February 12,” Nahid said. Nahid accused a political party of capturing the state apparatus after the fall of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, alleging that while no party leaders became prime minister or ministers, elements of a ‘criminalised party’ took control of the entire state machinery. He alleged that the group used state institutions as tools for extortion, land grabbing, appointments and transfers, promotions, filing false cases, buying and selling verdicts, and widespread corruption, siphoning off huge sums of money. Nahid warned that if such forces return to power, the consequences for the country would be ‘terrifying’, adding that voters have understood this reality from past experience. He also pledged to implement 17 commitments if elected, with the first focusing on bringing to justice those involved in enforced disappearances, killings, torture, false cases and attacks during the Awami League regime. Criticising the interim government’s decision to grant magistracy powers to the armed forces, Nahid claimed the move failed due to a lack of interest from senior command. He said that despite the launch of “Operation Devil Hunt,” there had been no notable success in identifying criminals, recovering weapons or making arrests. Nahid further promised to recover money looted from banks and development projects during the previous government and to prosecute those involved in money laundering. “Our goal is very clear— to end the culture of bribery, corruption and plunder of state resources, establish justice by eliminating economic inequality, and return the nation’s wealth to the people.” On foreign policy, Nahid said the 11-party alliance would bring a fundamental shift, moving away from what he described as a subservient approach towards an independent and balanced global stance. He alleged that the previous government’s foreign policy was dictated by India, turning Bangladesh into a ‘puppet state’ and undermining national interests. Nahid also outlined plans to restructure the armed forces, noting that nearly 70 percent of the defence budget currently goes to salaries and allowances, which he termed unsustainable. To strengthen national defence, Nahid proposed compulsory military training for all able citizens aged over 18 to build a people-based defence system. Nahid vowed sweeping reforms in the police force, promising prosecution of officers involved in killings, torture, false cases, corruption and extortion over the past 15 years. He said the police would be restructured at the local government level, with recruitment and posting at the upazila level, ensuring equal numbers of men and women. He also proposed renaming the police force to ‘Janosebak Bahini’ (People’s Service Force) or a similar name. Calling for a complete overhaul of the judiciary, Nahid stressed the need to appoint competent and impartial judges at all levels, increase the number of judges, fully digitise the justice system, and dismantle what he described as a bribery-based culture of verdict trading. Nahid concluded his address by seeking votes for the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance, pledging decentralisation of power, reduction of commodity prices, prevention of adulteration, gender equality, protection of minority rights and improvements in healthcare and medical services.  

National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan on Saturday claimed that the trial of the genocide during the 2024 mass uprising and the implementation of the July Charter would not take place if the BNP comes to power. Addressing a press conference at the party’s Banglamotor office in the evening, Asif Mahmud alleged that recent remarks by BNP’s top leadership clearly indicate the party’s stance. “The BNP chief has said in a recent interview that Sheikh Hasina’s children could enter politics if people want. This proves that if BNP assumes power, it will not try the Awami League for genocide.” In a scathing attack on BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman, Asif Mahmud said allowing Sheikh Hasina to do politics was a ‘historic mistake’. “That mistake has cost the people of Bangladesh for decades. Even Khaleda Zia had to pay for it with her life. Yet, blinded by lust for power, her son is now willing to give the Awami League space in politics.” Asif added. Claiming that people no longer want the Awami League in politics, the NCP spokesperson said the 2024 mass uprising would not have happened if there was any such public support. “At this point, BNP coming to power and Awami League coming to power mean the same thing. BNP has already reached a kind of understanding with the Awami League.” Asif Mahmud also accused the BNP of deceiving its grassroots leaders and activists. “Grassroots leaders endured imprisonment and repression, while top leaders lived a luxurious life in London. Now, by allowing the Awami League to return to politics, they are betraying their own activists.” He also alleged that BNP has already ‘betrayed’ the July Charter, despite signing it. “The issue of an upper house in parliament, as clearly stated in the July Charter, has been avoided in BNP’s election manifesto. Even if BNP comes to power, regardless of whether a referendum says ‘yes’ or ‘no’, they will not implement the July Charter.” Warning of security risks ahead of the election, Asif Mahmud alleged that some political parties are stockpiling weapons, which could be used on polling day and make the situation ‘dangerous’. He urged the joint forces to launch an all-out drive to recover illegal arms. Nasiruddin criticises Tarique Rahman, Chhatral Dal, Jubo Dal Asif also complained of the absence of a level playing field, alleging bias by the Election Commission. “Our candidates are being served show-cause notices over minor issues, while candidates of other parties openly violate the code of conduct without any action. This discriminatory attitude is destroying the level playing field.” Expressing optimism over voter turnout in the February-12 election, Asif Mahmud dismissed claims that a significant portion of Awami League supporters would stay away from voting. “Those who worked as polling agents during the Awami League-era are now either working for BNP or independent candidates. With them active in the field, general voters will also turn out,” he said.

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) Convener Nahid Islam on Friday warned that anyone attempting to steal votes or commit election fraud will face consequences similar to those faced by fascists. Speaking at an election rally in Savar for Dilshana Parul, the 11-party alliance candidate for Dhaka-19, Nahid Islam said, “The upcoming election is for the people’s future. It is an election for reform and for the people’s verdict against loan defaulters.” He said that Dilshana Parul has returned from abroad to serve people and urged all to vote for her. Nahid Islam described the election as a chance to give a verdict against oppression and to free the country from hegemonists and fascists. “We are participating in the February-12 election to establish justice and give opportunities to newcomers,” he said. Nahid claimed that some parties are obstructing women’s campaigns out of fear and cited the killing of one of their supporters in Sherpur. “Those who seek power through murder must be stopped. February 12 is the day to stop them,” he said. Nahid criticised the government for failing to apprehend the killers of Osman Hadi. “His family is still demanding justice. The upcoming election will deliver a verdict based on the ideals of Osman Hadi and the July uprising,” he said. Nahid stressed that his party will not compromise on independence or resist hegemony. “People will go to the polling stations without fear. Even if you vote against us, go to the polls to establish justice and reject slavery." The NCP leader warned against the return of corrupt politics. “No more dishonest leaders should come back to the country’s politics. If the 11-party alliance comes to power, experienced and skilled people from home and abroad will take part in governance,” he said. The rally, held at the ground near Matribagan Mosque in Shahibagh, Savar Municipality, was presided over by NCP Savar Upazila convener Zulkarnain. Dilshana Parul, Jamaat’s Dhaka District Jamaat Ameer Maulana Delwar Hossain, District Secretary Maulana Afzal Hossain, District Jamaat Legal Affairs Secretary Advocate Shahidul Islam, and Savar District Political Secretary Hasan Mahbub Master, also spoke.  

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 on Monday expressed concerns over incidents of violence, intimidation and alleged inaction of the administration in different parts of the country ahead of the 13th parliamentary election and referendum scheduled for February 12 next. “Violent incidents are taking place one after another in different parts of the country during the election. Despite video footage of these incidents, no visible action is being taken by the administration. This is seriously hampering the environment for a fair election,” said NCP leader Ayman Rahat while briefing reporters in the city’s Nirbachan Bhaban. Earlier, a NCP delegation met Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin and raised a number of complaints. The delegation members are NCP joint member secretaries Akram Hossain and Humaira Noor and its central election steering committee member Ayman Rahat. NCP pledges military training for youth if 11-party alliance comes to power Referring to an incident in Hatia of Noakhali on January 30, Rahat said BNP and Awami League activists carried out a coordinated armed attack on NCP leaders and activists, Jamaat-e-Islami members and local residents centering on a ferry inauguration programme. Despite the video of the incident being widely circulated on social media, no arrests have been made so far, he alleged, adding that those who led the attack are known criminals in the area. He said taking advantage of the local administration’s inaction, attackers again assaulted a procession the following day. The attackers openly claimed that the administration is on their side. The continued lack of action has raised serious questions about administrative neutrality, he added. The NCP delegation also expressed concern over a recent statement made by a senior BNP leader. Ayman Rahat said BNP Vice Chairman and former Home Minister Altaf Hossain Chowdhury claimed that BNP candidates were selected based on surveys conducted by the police, NSI and DGFI. “If this claim is true, it creates grave concerns over the neutrality of these state agencies during the election,” he said. The delegation also voiced concern about a letter sent by a Bangladesh Bank official to different banks seeking agricultural loans related information after BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman’s statement made on agricultural loan waivers on January 31. Noting that this incident has reflected that the state institution is used in elections, he said, “It is proved that the state institutions lost their neutrality in the election.” Drawing the EC’s attention to the referendum issue, the party alleged that misleading and false propaganda is being carried out in favour of both ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ options, but no effective action is being taken. The NCP delegation said the administration didn’t play an impartial role during the recent violence in Sherpur that killed a Jamaat leader. They demanded special measures to ensure security of women as Jamaat women activists face attacks and harassment. NCP sticks to reform agenda despite Jamaat alliance: Nahid The NCP team also alleged that violation of election code in Dhaka-11 and Natore-3 constituencies as billboards and banners of their party convener and candidate for Dhaka-11 were torn, while office and activists of NCP candidate for Natore-3 SM Jarjis Kadir attacked. In this context, Ayman Rahat said, "Although the Election Commission has given assurances, in reality a more active role is needed. Otherwise, the question remains whether a fair and acceptable election is possible."