NN ONLINE:
National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam warned that if the BNP begins “reaching out” to rehabilitate the Awami League (AL) in politics, it would spell disaster for the BNP. He made the remarks today (23 September) in a broad nod to BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir’s comments in an interview published yesterday (22 September), in which Fakhrul expressed a desire for the AL and the Jatiyo Party to participate in the upcoming national elections.
Speaking at a press conference at the NCP’s Banglamotor office in Dhaka this afternoon, Nahid said, “I will not respond to Mirza Fakhrul’s comments right now. We regard the BNP as our partner in the July Uprising and urge them not to engage in wrong politics.”
Nahid claimed that while the AL is allegedly conspiring, some lawmakers are also maneuvering to bring them back into the electoral arena and reintegrate them into politics. “Those who pursue such moves will see their politics come to an end.”
He urged all anti-fascist forces to stay united in demanding justice against the AL. Nahid added that the BNP should instead focus on building a “new Bangladesh” rather than reviving the AL. “If they pursue that path, they will gain support from the youth. Politics in Bangladesh must advance through justice and reform.”
Regarding “Shapla,” the NCP’s electoral symbol, Nahid stated that their Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary has said the Election Commission has not provided a legal justification against the Shapla symbol. The NCP remains firm in its demand for this symbol.
On the possibility of an alliance with the Gono Odhikar Parishad, Nahid said discussions are ongoing and that there is no final announcement yet; updates will be shared in due course.
In yesterday’s interview with the Indian online newspaper Ei Samay, Mirza Fakhrul also said, “Let there be a fair and free election. For saying this, many people are insulting me—calling me an agent of India, a stooge of the Awami League.” He added that Hasina’s government prevented opponents from contesting elections for 15 years and faced consequences for that. “If we do the same, we too will face repercussions. Yet people have witnessed so much bloodshed and loss of life—the resentment against the Awami League has grown,” said the senior BNP leader.
