National Citizens Party (NCP) Spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sojib Bhuiyan on Sunday said the 11-party alliance would not accept any election that appears pre-arranged or compromises the principles of fairness and public mandate.
Speaking to journalists after paying tribute at the grave of July Uprising martyr Abu Sayeed in Babanpur Village of Rangpur’s Pirganj Upazila, Asif Mahmud said the alliance is united in its position against any electoral process that signals outcomes in advance.
“We are alert at the grassroots level. There is a clear understanding among the alliance partners that an election cannot be reduced to a political settlement where the prime minister or winning party is decided beforehand,” he said, adding that the alliance is prepared to respond firmly if such attempts are made.
He expressed concern over incidents of violence and unrest reported in several areas during the campaign period, mentioning the killing of a upazila-level Jamaat-e-Islami leader as an example.
“We have been observing these developments with restraint, but such incidents raise serious questions about the election environment,” he said.
Asif Mahmud also reiterated earlier reservations expressed by his party regarding the Election Commission’s capacity to ensure a level playing field, noting that effective control and neutrality at the field level remain critical as polling day approaches.
Commenting on the referendum, the NCP spokesperson said the public campaign for a ‘no’ vote by the Awami League holds little significance. “Since the mass uprising, the Awami League and its allies have lost political relevance,” he claimed.
He said the overwhelming support for a ‘yes’ vote from major political parties and the public reflects a strong desire for reform.
“Surveys clearly show that the ‘yes’ vote is far ahead. This reflects the people’s aspiration to strengthen the reform process initiated through the mass uprising,” he added.
Responding to remarks by Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader, Asif Mahmud dismissed attempts to equate the NCP and Jamaat with the government, saying parties perceived as aligned with external interests no longer command political credibility in Bangladesh.
Later on, he said the NCP would continue its election march in Rangpur-4 constituency, including Kawnia and Pirgachha upazilas, focusing on reform, good governance, sovereignty and mobilising support for both the referendum and alliance candidates in the upcoming JS polls.
NCP Member Secretary Akhter Hossen is contesting the Rangpur-4 seat as the 11-party alliance nominee.
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