The The National Citizen Party (NCP) welcomed the announcement of the national election schedule on Thursday, describing it as a promising step towards a new political era and expressing optimism that the February 12 election and referendum will advance meaningful reforms and strengthen participatory democracy.
At a press conference in the evening, NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary thanked the government and the Election Commission (EC) for announcing the schedule, stating that Bangladesh was now "on track for a meaningful election on February 12."
"Our final commitment was that the national referendum be held on polling day. "We thank the government and the EC for upholding that commitment," he stated.
Patwary praised the government's efforts to allow expatriate Bangladeshis to vote and welcomed the EC's decision to cap election expenses at Tk 10 per voter or Tk 25 lakh per candidate. He urged the Commission to strictly enforce these limits for all contestants to prevent discrimination.
The NCP leader acknowledged the authorities' goodwill but expressed concern about neutrality and operational capacity.
He cited recent incidents, such as the stabbing of three NCP activists in Narayanganj and the assault of a journalist in Dhaka-2 while covering NCP events. Reports of weapons in several constituencies raised concerns about the election environment, he added.
"In the past, money, muscle, and godfather culture ruled elections. We are not yet convinced that the Election Commission can prevent these elements this time," Patwary said, noting that there were still concerns about the EC's ability to function without partisan influence.
"Despite our concerns, we are going to the polls. We urge citizens to take control of their polling stations. "No armed group, criminal network, or anyone involved in corruption, drugs, or money laundering should be allowed to influence the election," he stated.
Patwary stated that the NCP continued to see insufficient signs of a strong law-and-order environment required for peaceful elections, and reaffirmed the party's long-standing demand for the reconstitution of the Election Commission.
"But, because this Commission is conducting the upcoming polls, it must now demonstrate through action—not words—that it stands with the people, not any political force," he stated.
The NCP leader also expressed concern about online harassment against the party's female candidates.
He recalled urging authorities to form a monitoring cell to prevent cyberbullying against female contestants and young activists, claiming "no significant progress" and demanding that the cell be established immediately.
Patwary described Bangladesh as "entering a new era," saying the EC and the government must rise above partisan politics to deliver a free, fair, and credible election. He also stated that the announcement of the schedule debunked predictions that the authorities would halt reforms or avoid elections.
"We hope the people will support the reform process through the referendum and the future Reform Assembly," he said, urging all political parties to campaign for a "Yes" vote to create "a new Bangladesh for the next hundred years," echoing the chief adviser's remarks.
Patwary explained the party's decision to participate in the election despite previous reservations, claiming that the inclusion of the referendum and the formation of a Reform Assembly tasked with draughting a new constitution had addressed the NCP's main concerns.
"We are participating in the election because the reform process has already begun," he explained.
He stated that the party has no objections to the schedule at this time, but will raise concerns if inconsistencies emerge during further review.
When asked about discussions about former Adviser Asif Mahmud possibly joining the NCP, Patwary said the party had refrained from commenting earlier because Mahmud was a member of the government until the schedule was released.
"We welcome everyone who is committed to reform and change. However, we never violate personal freedom. "Our statement about Mahfuj Alam was part of our ongoing effort to build a cultured and civil society," he said.
"We aspire to create a just, humane, and civilised society founded on equality, dignity, and justice. This is the spirit of our Liberation War, and this is the end goal of our struggle," Patwary said.
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