Hundreds of leaders and activists of the National Citizen Party (NCP) gathered on Wednesday in front of the Election Commission (EC) office in Dhaka to press for the immediate reconstruction of the EC and the holding of local government elections ahead of the upcoming national polls.
The demonstration, organised by the Dhaka Metropolitan Committee of the NCP, began around noon as participants converged on the EC headquarters carrying banners and chanting slogans.
The protest followed a pre-announced programme by the party, which has increasingly voiced concerns over what it claims is the EC’s partisan conduct.
“We have come here today to demand the local government elections be held before the national election, and for a full reconstruction of the Election Commission,” said NCP joint convener Sarwar Tusher while addressing the rally.
“The EC has been biased in its actions. We can no longer trust this institution in its current form. Therefore, we are putting forward these demands to the interim government,” he added.
At the time of reporting, an estimated 400 to 500 NCP supporters were participating in the demonstration. Leaders from various wards and zones across Dhaka city took turns delivering speeches, echoing their frustration over the EC’s alleged partiality and highlighting the importance of grassroots-level democracy.
The call for restructuring the EC comes amid heightened political tension ahead of the upcoming general elections, scheduled for late 2025 or early 2026.