Staff Reporter:
National Citizen Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam has accused both the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami of undermining the national reform process—one by rejecting core proposals of the National Consensus Commission and the other by attempting to delay the upcoming election.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday at the NCP’s temporary central office in Dhaka’s Banglamotor, Nahid said that while the country stands at a critical political crossroads, major opposition forces are “playing conflicting and destructive roles.”’
The press interaction began without a written statement, opening instead with an unscripted question-and-answer session.
“From the very beginning, BNP tried to oppose the National Consensus Commission by submitting notes of dissent on fundamental issues,” Nahid said.
This has raised questions about their sincerity toward reform. On the other hand, Jamaat’s actions suggest an intent to delay the election. One group is undermining the reforms, while the other is trying to postpone the polls.”
He criticised the growing rift between BNP and Jamaat over whether the referendum on the July Charter should be held before or on the election day, describing the dispute as “unnecessary and meaningless.”
Nahid also alleged that some political quarters are attempting to divert attention from core reform debates by calling for proportional representation in both chambers of parliament, rather than only the upper house.
“The main questions,” he said, “are about what reforms the July Charter will contain, what proposals it will advance, the legal foundation it will rest on, and whether Professor Muhammad Yunus will issue the order. If there’s consensus on these, the referendum can be held either before or on election day. We are open to dialogue on that.”
The NCP convener reiterated that his party wants the national election to be held on schedule in February, alongside a legally grounded referendum on the July Charter reforms. “We believe the order should be issued within this month,” he said.
“Where consensus exists, those issues should go to referendum—either on election day or before it. The timing should be decided by the government and the Election Commission.”
Nahid warned against any attempt to issue the July Charter “from the so-called President’s Office,” saying such a move would “lack legal and political legitimacy.”
Responding to questions about political rivalries ahead of the election, Nahid predicted that “disunity and conspiracies” would intensify as the polls draw closer. “The Awami League must remain united on this issue,” he cautioned, alleging that “any attempt to manipulate the election will come from the Awami League.” He urged all parties to stay vigilant to prevent infiltration or subversion by Awami League loyalists.
Turning to foreign relations, Nahid urged India to “recalibrate its policy toward Bangladesh,” saying, “If India wants good relations with Bangladesh, it must stop viewing the country through the lens of the Awami League and build direct ties with its people.”
On electoral participation, Nahid confirmed that the NCP will take part in the upcoming parliamentary polls and plans to field candidates in all 300 constituencies. “Since I am a son of Dhaka, I will probably contest from Dhaka,” he told reporters. “We may finalise our candidate list within this month.”
Asked about possible alliances, Nahid said the NCP would only consider joining forces with parties that share its reform agenda. “If no one supports the reforms, there’s no question of forming an alliance,” he said.
He also expressed frustration over the Election Commission’s handling of the party’s symbol issue, claiming that the Commission’s actions are “deliberately intended to obstruct the NCP from participating in electoral activities.”
Nahid’s remarks reflect growing impatience within reformist circles as debates over the timing and legitimacy of the referendum—and the election itself—intensify amid a fractured opposition landscape.
