The National Citizen Party (NCP) will contest the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election independently, party convener Nahid Islam announced on Wednesday.
Speaking to journalists after visiting the family of late “July fighter” Gazi Salauddin at his residence in Godnail, Narayanganj, Nahid said the party plans to announce its list of candidates for all constituencies by 15 November.
“We are moving ahead independently,” Nahid said. “Political or ideological alliances can only be considered if there is genuine consensus, such as agreement on the reform demands outlined in the July Charter. If any party expresses solidarity with that charter, we may then consider forming an alliance.”
The NCP is preparing to field candidates in all 300 constituencies across the country. However, as a mark of respect to those who played leading roles in the anti-fascist and pro-democracy movements, the party will refrain from contesting a few seats.
The Shapla Koli (Waterlily bud) will serve as the party’s electoral symbol in most constituencies.
“The constituencies of former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will remain uncontested by the NCP,” Nahid added.
Criticising Bangladesh’s traditional electoral culture, he said, “We’ve seen that wealth and muscle power often determine candidacy. This time, we want to challenge that culture. We aim to nominate locally respected and community-oriented individuals like teachers, imams, social leaders, and ordinary working people who stand by the community. These are the people we want to see in Parliament.”
Reiterating that the NCP’s candidate list will be finalised and announced by November 15, Nahid also expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of adequate medical support for those injured during the July uprising.
“In the noise of election politics, we must not forget our injured brothers and the families of martyrs,” he said. “Otherwise, many more like our brother Gazi Salauddin will continue to die.”
Salauddin, 45, lost vision in one eye and sustained multiple injuries when police fired rubber bullets during last year’s anti-discrimination movement. Doctors later confirmed that splinters lodged near his windpipe could not be removed. After living with those injuries for 15 months, he passed away on 16 October.
Before speaking to the media, Nahid Islam visited Salauddin’s grave. He was accompanied by NCP Joint Member-Secretary Abdullah Al Amin, Southern Region Organiser Shawkat Ali, and Central Committee Member Ahmedur Rahman Tonu, among others.
