National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary has said that the Election Commission has given NCP the “shapla koli” symbol in the new gazette, but has reiterated that NCP will not be compromising its stance
He made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled “Implementation of the July Accord and the Path of the National Election?” organized by the National Youth Force at its temporary office in Banglamotor, Dhaka, on Thursday evening.
Patwary said, “We do not understand on what basis the Commission decided this. However, we are uncompromising on the ‘shapla’ issue.”
He further stated, “The BNP’s Note of Dissent in the Consensus Commission is, in fact, a ‘Note of Cheating’. And although Jamaat speaks of the July Charter, they are bargaining for seats by talking about PR in the lower house. This is a form of hypocrisy.”
The seminar was chaired by National Youth Force Convener Advocate Tariqul Islam. Among those who spoke were NCP Joint Conveners Samanta Sharmin, Tasnim Jara, Khaled Saifullah, and others.
Patwari said, “The Commission must issue a new gazette incorporating the shapla. We want to participate in the election peacefully. Otherwise, we will initiate a democratic movement at the Commission’s office to secure it.”
He alleged that the BNP had submitted a note of dissent at the NCC to show its allegiance. “This will not be allowed in the new Bangladesh. If the BNP tries anything in the Consensus Commission, the youth will resist it.”
“One party wants a referendum on the day of the national election. Another party is talking about a referendum in November. We too want a referendum. But we do not insist that it must be in November. Dr Yunus must provide the legal basis by going to Shaheed Minar. If this is violated, we will not accept it.”
The NCP chief coordinator also demanded that the BNP clarify its position regarding Jatiya Party.
In his presidential speech, National Youth Force Convener Tariqul Islam said, “The Election Commission is behaving like a landlord. This is unacceptable. The shapla will be the symbol of the NCP. The order for the implementation of the July Charter must be issued quickly. The stance on the July Declaration proves that the NCP will come to state power in the future.
The seminar was conducted by Jatiya JuboShokti Chief Organizer Engineer Farhad Sohail.
