National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam said on Sunday that the party will decide whether to join the national election based on the progress of ongoing reforms.
He made the remarks after submitting the party’s registration application to the Election Commission (EC).
“We are focused on reform. There is already a process to restructure the Election Commission based on national consensus,” Nahid said, adding that Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has promised a “July Declaration” in this regard.
“While registration is necessary, our main political goal is to ensure justice and fulfill the demands of the people’s movement.”
Nahid also said the party will reflect on its past limitations and find ways to move forward with its reform agenda, regardless of who is in power.
“We want a government formed through a people’s uprising. Those who were part of this movement should be in parliament,” he added.
The NCP leader claimed that the party has formed committees in 25 districts and 105 upazilas.
“We submitted supporter forms from each upazila and included office agreements at both district and upazila levels,” he said.
Earlier, on June 16, NCP said they had 30 district committees.
He said the party’s draft constitution, passed in a recent general meeting, was also submitted with the registration documents.
The NCP has applied for three electoral symbols — water lily (shapla), pen, and mobile phone, with water lily being the first choice.
“The shapla is a well-known symbol for rural people. It reflects the identity of our river-based and working-class communities,” Nahid said.
When asked about the legality of using a national symbol, Nahid explained that the law does not forbid it.
“Jackfruit, which is the national fruit, is already used as a party symbol. Paddy sheaf is another example,” he said. “We discussed it with the EC and didn’t find any legal issues.”
Nahid also said the party raised the issue of voting rights for Bangladeshis living abroad during their meeting with the chief election commissioner.
“The commission hasn’t decided how it will be done yet, but they said it will be resolved soon,” he further said.