Staff Reporter :
The National Citizen Party (NCP) has announced plans to contest the upcoming national election independently, with candidates fielded under its ‘Shapla Koli’ (Water Lily Bud) symbol in as many constituencies as possible.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday afternoon in the Dhakeshwari 2 area of Siddhirganj, Narayanganj, NCP convener Nahid Islam said the party is currently focused on preparing its own candidates rather than forming alliances.
“We are preparing to contest the election individually. To achieve that, we are working on nominating candidates for the Shapla Koli symbol in all seats,” he said.
“Alliances or coalitions may be considered later from a political or ideological standpoint. If any party expresses unity or solidarity with the July Charter and our demands for reform, then the issue of an alliance may be considered. But for now, we are moving forward on our own.”
Prior to speaking with reporters, Nahid Islam met with the family of Gazi Salahuddin, a garment security guard who died while receiving treatment after being injured during the July Movement.
Reaffirming the NCP’s determination to expand its electoral presence, Nahid said the party intends to field candidates in the maximum number of constituencies. However, he noted that the NCP would likely not nominate candidates in the seats traditionally associated with BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, acknowledging her “leading role in the fight against fascism and for the restoration of democracy.”
Criticising Bangladesh’s entrenched political culture, Nahid said the NCP seeks to challenge the dominance of wealthy elites and power brokers in electoral politics.
“We have seen in the history of elections in Bangladesh that those who have money, those who practice godfather culture, are the ones who stand in elections,” he said.
“We want to change that culture. We want to see candidates with genuine grassroots acceptance — people who stand beside ordinary citizens, from working-class individuals to local teachers, Imams, and other respected community figures.”
NCP leader Nasiruddin Patwary told reporters that the party’s preliminary list of candidates will be published by November 15, as preparations continue for contesting under the Shapla Koli symbol.
Addressing the death of Gazi Salahuddin, Nahid described him as “a brave soldier of the July Movement.” He recalled that Salahuddin had been injured by a bullet on July 19 last year in the Jalkuri area, suffering a splinter wound in his neck and serious damage to one of his eyes.
“The government has failed to fulfil its responsibility of providing proper medical care to those injured in the movement,” Nahid said. “Many are still suffering, and the list of the dead continues to grow. Ensuring long-term treatment for the injured is the responsibility of the government.”
NCP Central Joint Member Secretary Abdullah Al Amin, Central Executive Member Ahmedur Rahman, and other party leaders accompanied Nahid during the visit. Later, they offered prayers at Gazi Salahuddin’s grave and paid tribute to his memory.
