NCP ready to ally with pro-reform forces:  Hasnat

National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Organiser for the Southern Region Hasnat Abdullah on Tuesday said his party may form an alliance with forces that support reforms, but it will not ally with those obstructing the country’s reform process.

“We are open to joining forces with groups supporting reforms, resisting Indian domination, and promoting communal harmony,” he told journalists after inaugurating the NCP district office in Chashar of Narayanganj on Tuesday noon.

Hasnat Abdullah said, “NCP convener Nahid Islam has clearly stated that we can ally with anyone who takes a pro-reform stance. However, forming any electoral alliance with those obstructing the reform process is not possible.”

NCP’s full candidate list for the national election will be announced by the third week of this month, with Nahid Islam previously indicating November 15 as a key date, he added.

Commenting on reforms, Hasnat said, “We want to return to a democratic system through elections. We welcome every anti-fascist party and opinion. But if elections are manipulated—if districts are arbitrarily divided at midnight, or police are deployed to control polling, turning elections into an administrative tool—then people’s empowerment will not be ensured. Our goal is genuine empowerment of the public.”

Regarding Awami League, he said, “Awami League has become irrelevant in Bangladesh. We must focus on the future. We have seen talk shows where the party’s lobbyists, hired intellectuals, and beneficiaries tried to legitimise it. But the events of the past two days show that this party was never truly a party of the people.”

“Those now trying to legitimise the party are essentially legitimising acts of violence,” he added.

Hasnat Abdullah also criticised Narayanganj’s local politics, saying, “The city’s rich political heritage has been polluted by the so-called ‘godfather’ politics. NCP will work to preserve this legacy and uphold people’s rights.”

Chaired by NCP Central Joint Secretary Abdullah Al Amin, it was also addressed by Central Organiser Shawkat Ali, Central Member Ahmedur Rahman Tanu, and Senior Joint Convener of Jatiya Jubo Shakti Tuhin Khan.