NCP Wants Election Timetable After All Parties Are Fully Prepared

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has called for Bangladesh’s upcoming election timetable to be announced only after every major political party is adequately prepared, emphasising the need for political stability and an inclusive electoral environment. The party’s convenor, Nahid Islam, made the remarks on Friday at a policy discussion titled “The Future of Investment in Bangladesh”, organised at Hotel Sheraton in the capital.

Speaking at the event, Nahid Islam stressed that the decision to issue the election schedule lies solely with the Election Commission (EC). However, he pointed out that the health condition of a key figure in a major political party has become a significant factor in national political discussions. According to him, it is therefore important that all political groups are politically prepared before the EC announces the timetable.

“We want an election timetable that ensures everyone is ready,” Nahid said. “The election date will not be shifted for the convenience of any particular party. Many have tried to portray us as anti-election, but that is absolutely false. We want elections—transparent, credible and participatory elections—and that is the direction this country must take.”

He argued that a genuinely inclusive political process requires cooperation rather than confrontation. “The election process must involve all political parties united under the same democratic framework,” he explained. “Delaying or speeding up the polls for one specific party is not something we support.”

Clarifying Position on Alleged Agreements

Addressing rumours circulating on social media and in political circles, Nahid firmly denied claims that the NCP had entered into any form of covert or public agreement with other parties.

“There has been a deliberate attempt to spread misinformation about the NCP,” he said. “Let me be clear: we have not made any secret or open deal with anyone. Our politics is transparent and accountable. Those who are spreading such rumours are doing so with malicious intent.”

He revealed that the party would soon announce its candidate list, adding that the process of forming a “third alliance” was actively being discussed. This new coalition, he explained, is aimed at offering voters an alternative to the country’s long-established political groups, many of which have lost public confidence.

“People are tired of old-style politics,” he added. “There are parties burdened with allegations of corruption and questionable political practices. The public no longer trusts them. That is why we want to establish a new, modern approach to politics.”

Election Environment Still Not Ideal

Nahid acknowledged that the current political and electoral atmosphere is still not entirely favourable. “I cannot claim that the environment is perfect,” he said. “Yet we must continue moving forward. We have submitted many constructive recommendations to the Election Commission to help strengthen the process.”

He warned that any interference—domestic or foreign—could destabilise the electoral landscape. “If no political or international force engages in manipulation, I believe the country can proceed steadily,” he added.

Commitment to Post-Election Reform

The NCP convenor concluded by emphasising that the party’s mission extends far beyond contesting the election. “Reform is a continuous process,” he said. “Our movement will not stop with the polls; it will accelerate. Structural reforms must continue even after the election. We see the election not as the end, but as a stepping-stone towards broader national transformation.”