Nahid’s questions pressure on EC, part of Tarique’s plan
Staff Reporter :
National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Monday raised concerns over whether BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is pursuing a strategy aimed at exerting influence on the Election Commission (EC) and the state administration, undermining the referendum, and facilitating the entry of loan defaulters into parliament.
Speaking at a press briefing at the state guest house Jamuna following a meeting with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, Nahid addressed Tarique directly, questioning whether his so-called “plan” involves interfering with independent constitutional institutions, distorting the electoral process, and ensuring the failure of the referendum.
The NCP leader stressed that it is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to guarantee a free, fair, and credible election, to actively campaign for a “Yes” vote in support of reforms in the referendum, and to ensure that political parties act with restraint and responsibility. However, he alleged that such conduct is currently lacking on the part of the BNP.
“We are not witnessing responsible behaviour from the BNP as a political party,” Nahid said. “Tarique Rahman previously claimed to have a plan.
People are now asking whether that plan includes pressuring the Election Commission, influencing the media, skewing the election in one direction, putting pressure on the administration, making the election controversial, and obstructing success in the referendum.”
He warned that any attempt to engineer a non-neutral election—through the capture of polling centres, politicisation of the administration, or coercion of the Election Commission to deliver verdicts favouring a particular party—would not be accepted by the public.
“The youth of Bangladesh will never accept such an outcome,” he said.
Nahid further questioned whether the alleged plan also includes nominating loan defaulters or individuals holding dual citizenship as parliamentary candidates, urging Tarique Rahman to clarify his intentions before the people.
Earlier in the day, a delegation of the NCP led by Nahid Islam met Chief Adviser Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna.
The delegation included NCP Central Election Management Committee Chairman Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, Secretary Monira Sharmin, and Legal Support Subcommittee head Zahirul Islam Musa.
Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and the Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant for the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Faiz Ahmed Taiyeb, were also present at the meeting.
During the discussion, NCP leaders shared their assessments and concerns regarding the election, stating that party leaders and activists at all levels are actively campaigning for a “Yes” vote in the referendum.
They also highlighted several election-related issues and called on the government to remain alert to ensure a level playing field for all parties.
In response, the chief adviser said that any complaints or suggestions related to the election should be communicated to the government without delay.
“The government will take all possible steps to address such issues. Necessary measures will be taken to ensure that no one violates the law,” he said.
Yunus noted that neutrality is being maintained through the reshuffling of field-level administrative officials via a lottery system, leaving no room for bias. “This election will shape the future of the country. It is an election for transformation, and it must be conducted in a free and fair manner,” he added.
He further said that by January, most polling centres would be brought under CCTV surveillance, while officials deployed at risk-prone centres would be equipped with body cameras, all monitored from a central control room.
The chief adviser also said the government is lawfully campaigning for a “Yes” vote in the referendum by explaining to citizens the necessity of the reforms and their expected outcomes. He added that all political parties have been invited to participate in this process.
“Ensuring a free, fair, and festive election is a shared responsibility of the government, the Election Commission, and political parties,” he said, calling for cooperation from all political forces.