National Citizen Party (NCP) candidate Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain has accused a political group of claiming to uphold nationalism while nominating dual citizen as candidates.
He compared these candidates to migratory birds, saying they come to Bangladesh to contest elections and leave the country once polls conclude.
He said “In winter, migratory birds come to Bangladesh from China, Russia, and Siberia. Like that during elections, some foreign nationals come to Bangladesh like migratory birds to contest polls and fly back abroad once the elections are over.”
Asif Mahmud made the remarks while addressing a roadshow at the BSCIC Bus Stand in Shahjadpur on Sunday.
He said the NCP’s goal is to build a corruption-free, extortion-free, and well-governed Bangladesh.
He highlighted Shahjadpur as a historic region, renowned for its handloom industry since British India, but claimed locals have long been deprived of its benefits.
“We pledge to ensure that the value of people’s hard work reaches them directly,” he said, referring to government liaison efforts by NCP joint secretary and Sirajganj-6 candidate SM Saif Mostafiz.
He urged voters to elect candidates who will ensure proper governance, free from corruption, extortion, and illegal occupation.
Asif Mahmud said the NCP would double the training of regular armed forces. He also referenced past aggressions, including the killing of Felani and other party activists.
He said “However, the major party made no statement on what it would do against such aggression. The people of Bangladesh no longer calculate personal gains; they now consider what the collective will gain.”
“We will not send foreign citizens or loan defaulters to Parliament. Those who lose elections and then fly abroad like migratory birds should not represent the people”he added.
He called on voters to ensure a ‘Yes’ vote succeeds to prevent the rise of any authoritarian rulers.
“Some leaders publicly support the ‘Yes’ vote but fail to mobilise grassroots campaigns. People must act wisely and support genuine candidates,” he added.
SM Saif Mostafiz warned that foreign citizens and loan defaulters in parliament would block laws against corruption and instead legislate in favour of vested interests.
Joint Secretary Mahin Sarker echoed the call for votes for NCP’s Shapla Koli symbol to ensure transparent and accountable governance.
The roadshow was also attended by National Youth Power convener Advocate Tarikul Islam, Shahjadpur Upazila Jamaat Ameer Assistant Professor Mizanur Rahman, NCP Media Secretary Yasir Arafat, and party leaders at various levels.
