We will work for whoever alliance candidate: Nahid
Staff Reporter:
Despite the National Citizen Party (NCP) submitting nomination papers for 47 candidates, the matter has not yet been finalized, party Convener Nahid Islam said. Explaining that some additional nomination papers were submitted to account for possible errors and other considerations, he said it would become clear within the next few days how many candidates the NCP will ultimately field.
Nahid made the remarks on Monday evening at a press conference held at the NCP’s temporary central office in Banglamotor, Dhaka.
The NCP is contesting the 13th national parliamentary election as part of an 11-party electoral alliance that includes Jamaat-e-Islami, based on seat-sharing arrangements among the allied parties. Although the NCP initially nominated candidates in 125 constituencies, the final number of its candidates will not remain at that level.
Nahid Islam said, “NCP leaders and activists across the country, along with leaders and activists of our affiliated organizations, will work in favor of a ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum. And whoever the alliance candidate may be, we will all work together in support of that candidate. This is in the interest of the party, and the political decision we have taken at this time is based on the opinion of the majority. Therefore, for the sake of the party and the broader political interests of the current time, everyone will accept this, and the party will evaluate any personal sacrifices at a later stage.”
Explaining why additional nomination papers were submitted by the NCP, Nahid Islam said, “Through discussions and consultations over the next few days, it will become clear how many constituencies the NCP will contest.”
At the same press conference, it was also announced that former adviser to the interim government, Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, has joined the NCP. Describing Asif Mahmud—who was a “frontline fighter” in the July uprising—as joining the party, Nahid Islam said this was a historic moment for the NCP. He expressed hope that Asif’s joining would help advance the party’s goals and objectives.