NCP Finalizes Candidate List, Vows No Compromise on Ideals

DHAKA, November 24 — The National Citizen Party (NCP) is now finalizing its candidate list for the next national election. Party leaders insist that any political alliances must be strictly built on shared beliefs and principles. They will not settle for power or seats.

The party started interviewing 1,484 people seeking nomination yesterday, Sunday. Furthermore, these interviews continued today at the Shaheed Abu Sayeed Convention Center in Shahbagh, Dhaka. The party’s Political Council will, ultimately, approve the final list.

Ideology Over Seats: The Party Stance
NCP Convener Nahid Islam held a press briefing yesterday. During the event, he clearly stated the party’s goal:

Nahid Islam said the NCP welcomes talks with any group. However, these groups must agree with the NCP’s manifesto, demands, beliefs, and rules. Nahid affirmed, “NCP will not compromise for power or parliamentary seats.” Therefore, he stressed that the party will stick to its ideals and goals, “even if NCP does not receive a single seat.”

He criticized rival parties. Specifically, he alleged they are planning to make the election a “seat-sharing election.” He believes this type of election harms democracy.

Addressing Media and Electoral Concerns
Nahid Islam complained that the media is giving the party a “media trial” over possible alliances. In response, he defended internal talks with other parties. He called these talks part of a healthy democratic culture after the July uprising. Consequently, he asked the media not to spread negative “rumors.”

Moreover, he also claimed the election lacks a fair playing field. He noted that old problems like intimidation, money use, and muscle power still affect elections in Bangladesh.

Diverse Applicant Pool
Nasiruddin Patwary, NCP’s chief coordinator, confirmed the party gave out 1,484 nomination forms for the 300 seats. This means about five applicants for each seat.

To illustrate the variety, teachers, businesspeople, lawyers, and religious leaders collected forms. Additionally, family members of martyrs, injured July fighters, rickshaw pullers, and workers also applied. The standard form cost Tk 10,000, but low-income applicants paid only Tk 2,000.