Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, spokesperson of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has accused the Election Commission (EC) of bias. He warned that if dual citizens or loan defaulters are allowed to participate in the elections, the party will take to the streets in protest alongside legal battles.
Asif, who also serves as the chairman of NCP Central Election Management Committee, said this at an emergency press conference at the party’s temporary office in the capital’s Banglamotor at 7pm on Saturday.
At the press conference, He said, “We have experience of the Election Commission from before. The signs seen in the past three elections are being reflected in the current election as well. The constitution of Bangladesh clearly states that if anyone acquires foreign citizenship or pledges allegiance to another nation, they lose the eligibility to become a parliamentary candidate.
“Yet, we are seeing that, despite having dual citizenship, many are appearing before the commission with a few hundred people and lawyers and pressuring them.”
He alleged, “The commission seems to be leaning towards legitimising them using various different interpretations and loopholes. This is an ominous sign for the country’s constitution, election system, and democracy.”
The NCP spokesperson added, “The BNP claims to be pioneers of democracy, but their activities are completely against democracy and the constitution. Many of their candidates have looted the country, acquired assets abroad, and are now trying to participate in elections with dual citizenship. If you want to represent the people, first be citizens of Bangladesh only. We will not allow any foreign citizens to participate in the elections.”
Asif Mahmud further said, “If the Election Commission tries to legitimise their candidacy by violating the constitution or using loopholes, we will carry on legal battles and take to the streets. We will not allow a haphazard and one-sided election like the previous three elections. NCP and our alliance partners will view this matter with the utmost seriousness and stand against it.”
He informed, “Especially regarding parties that were in power in the past, many of their candidates are large loan defaulters. We have already fought a legal battle against a loan defaulter in the Cumilla-4 constituency and won there. Dual citizens or loan defaulters will not be allowed to participate in the elections. Whether our fight is legal or on the streets, we will not stop.”
“Tomorrow is the last day for appeal hearings,” Asif Mahmud said. “If the Election Commission works impartially and in accordance with the constitution, our cooperation will continue.” If they don’t, then NCP will take action, he said, adding that they wish to give the commission a chance.
“If necessary, we will take to the streets again. If a fair election is not ensured, the demand for the reconstitution of the Election Commission will also be raised,” he concluded.
Also present at the press conference were Secretary of the party’s Central Election Management Committee Monira Sharmin, head of the committee’s legal aid sub-committee Zahirul Islam Musa, and others.
