Nahid vows not let looters to go power
Staff Reporter :
National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Thursday said the people of Bangladesh would not let any new looters to go in power again.
He said that his party’s sole objective is to win the upcoming national election and form the government, insisting that the polls must be held on February 12 “at any cost”.
“We want the elections to be held on February 12 at any cost. Our only agenda is to win the elections and form the government,” Nahid said while addressing the launch of the party’s election campaign in the Dhaka University area.
The NCP formally began its campaign at around 11:30am by offering prayers at Tin Netar Mazar near Doyel Chattar on the Dhaka University campus, paying tribute to Sher-e-Bangla AK Fazlul Huq, Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy and national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.
Party leaders also visited the grave of Sharif Osman Hadi, convener of Inqilab Moncho, who was martyred last December.
Following the visits, NCP leaders and candidates brought out a procession titled ‘March for Justice’ at around 12:45pm. The march passed through Shahbagh and the road in front of Ramna Park before ending at the National Press Club.
Addressing journalists, Nahid said the February 12 election would mark country’s return to the ballot box after 16 years.
“During this period, people were denied their right to vote. We are reclaiming that right today, honouring the sacrifices of thousands of martyrs.
This time, we will vote ‘yes’ for reform,” he said, adding that the party aimed to implement structural and constitutional changes through parliament.
Calling on voters nationwide, Nahid urged support for candidates of the 10-party alliance and the NCP, whose electoral symbol is the “shapla koli” (waterlily bud).
He said the alliance would speak for ordinary people, reforms and national sovereignty inside parliament.
Nahid also raised concerns over the neutrality of the Election Commission, alleging that a particular party was receiving undue advantages.
“Even though the official campaign has not started, they have been campaigning. To remain neutral, the commission must behave impartially,” he said, while reaffirming the NCP’s commitment to participate fully in the election despite challenges.
Speaking at the event, NCP Chief Coordinator and Dhaka-8 candidate Nasiruddin Patwary said the day’s programme included visiting the graves of national leaders, followed by a parade and the March for Justice.
He pledged to work for safe spaces for women, quality housing for students and stronger links between teachers, students and business leaders.
“Students will gain practical skills through internships from their first year. The National Citizen Party will ensure representation for workers, farmers and women alike. Our goal is to eliminate fascism and establish a new political order,” Nasiruddin said.
The procession was led by Nahid Islam and included Nasiruddin Patwary, Central Election Management Committee Secretary Monira Sharmin, Dhaka-9 candidate Javed Rasin, Dhaka-20 candidate Nabila Tasnid, Jatiya Juba Shakti Convener Tarikul Islam, and central leader Farhad Sohel, among others.
Nahid said the campaign began by remembering leaders who laid the foundations of democracy and social justice in the country.
Referring to Sharif Osman Hadi, he described the election journey as “an anti-hegemonic journey” and said ensuring justice for Hadi’s killing was one of the party’s key agendas ahead of the polls.