Election Uncertain in 2025 Due to Unrest, NCP Leader Nahid says

Bangladesh’s interim government has struggled to fully restore public safety, making it difficult to hold a general election this year, according to Nahid Islam, head of the newly launched Jatiya Nagorik Party or National Citizen Party (NCP).

“In the past seven months, we all expected the policing system, law and order to be restored through short-term reforms. It has happened to an extent, but not up to our expectations,” Nahid told Reuters in an interview published today (March 6).

The 26-year-old leader, speaking from his government-provided residence in Dhaka, expressed skepticism about the feasibility of elections under the current security conditions.

“In the current law and order situation and policing system, I don’t think it is possible to hold a national election,” he said in his first interview as NCP chief.

Political analysts believe the youth-driven NCP could emerge as a force in Bangladesh’s political landscape, long dominated by the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

The BNP has been pushing for early elections, arguing that power should be swiftly returned to a democratically elected government. Nahid emphasized that his party, formed just last week, will be ready for elections whenever they are scheduled.

Before elections can take place, Nahid stressed the need for consensus on the “Proclamation of the July Revolution” – a charter the interim government is drafting in consultation with political parties and student activists.

The document is intended to reflect the aspirations of the Bangladeshi people and honor those killed in last year’s student-led uprising. Protesters dropped their demand for constitutional changes after the government promised to prepare the proclamation.

“If we can reach that consensus within a month, we can call for elections immediately. But if it takes more time, the election should be deferred,” Nahid said.

Despite being a new entrant in Bangladesh’s political arena, the NCP is receiving financial support from wealthy backers across the country, Nahid said. The party plans to launch a crowdfunding initiative to finance a new office and establish an election fund in the coming months.