Chief Coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP) Nasiruddin Patwary has stated that the party could win 150 seats in the upcoming 13th National Parliament election. He made this remark on Monday after a meeting with the chief election commissioner.
Nasir Uddin Patwari said, “We have learned through surveys that the NCP has a chance of winning 150 seats in the upcoming election. However, we will field candidates in 300 constituencies and fight to win all 300.”
When asked by journalists how many seats BNP-Jamaat might get, he replied, “I cannot say that. Those who vote will decide. BNP has conducted many data surveys. Jamaat has too. But I once said that BNP would not exceed 50 to 100 seats. You can now see the reality – the party is hitting rock bottom.”
He added, “Good news is coming. The Election Commission has made a positive decision regarding the NCP’s registration. We remain with the Shapla (water lily) symbol; the NCP will definitely stay with Shapla. It could be white or red. There is room for amendment in the regulations. If we do not get one of these symbols, the NCP will take the next step.”
Nasiruddin Patwary expressed doubts about whether the election would be held in February. On this issue, he said, “The parties, including BNP and Jamaat, are unable to bring the legal aspect of the July Charter to the execution level. The election is being delayed because of these two parties. We appeal to their workers, supporters, and leaders – we ask for your forgiveness. For the sake of the nation, stop this hypocrisy. At least for the people’s sake, quickly bring the legal perspective of the July Charter to the execution level and free the people through elections.”
Nasiruddin said, “Currently, three blocs are likely to form in the political landscape. One Islamic bloc has already been formed. Another is being formed under BNP’s leadership, and a third under our leadership. We are not joining the BNP-Jamaat bloc. During the mass uprising, we issued a manifesto, stating that since the fascist system has not been abolished, we have a long struggle ahead. Many of the youth who led movements over the past 15 years and created parties have now agreed to join under the NCP banner. We are in discussions with them. It has been decided that we will work together, though the process is still under discussion.”
He further stated, “There is still doubt about whether the election will be held in February. The government is insisting on holding the election in February. However, no solution has been reached regarding the legal perspective of the July Charter.”
He added, “Some try to claim that Jamaat does not want an election, or that the NCP does not want an election. These are propaganda. If anyone wants a quick and fair election in Bangladesh, it is the NCP above all. Because we have not been able to vote. If the July Charter is not implemented and no qualitative changes are made in Bangladesh’s legislative assembly, then someone else will simply replace Sheikh Hasina. That is why we are insisting on confirming this aspect. If the parties sit together to resolve this, it would take only 10–15 days.”
When asked what the party’s name and symbol would be if they merged with Gono Odhikar Parishad, he said, “The party name will remain NCP, and the symbol will remain NCP’s. Many other parties are joining us. Many parties and banners will, Insha’Allah, come under the NCP banner.”
Regarding the PR system, he said, “We want to be very clear – we support PR for the upper house, not for the lower house.”
