NCP Announces Mayoral Candidates Across Five Cities

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has formally announced its candidates for mayoral posts in five upcoming city corporation elections across Bangladesh, including the highly contested Dhaka South and Dhaka North City Corporations.

The announcement was made on Sunday evening, 29 March, at a press conference held at the party’s central office in Banglamotor, Dhaka. The declaration was presented by NCP convener Nahid Islam, who also serves as opposition Chief Whip.

Key Candidates Announced

Among the most prominent nominations, former interim government adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan has been selected as the party’s candidate for the Dhaka South City Corporation mayoral race. In Dhaka North City Corporation, the party has nominated Ariful Islam Adeeb.

Outside the capital, the NCP has fielded candidates in three additional city corporations. Advocate Tarikul Islam will contest in Cumilla City Corporation, Mobasher Ali has been nominated for Rajshahi City Corporation, and Advocate Abdur Rahman Afzal will stand in Sylhet City Corporation.

The party leadership stated that the selection process was based on internal consultations, candidate credibility, and perceived public acceptability.

Full List of NCP Mayoral Candidates

Party’s Position on Local Elections

Speaking at the announcement, Nahid Islam accused the government of undermining the neutrality of local administration by appointing administrators in several city corporations, which he claimed had led to increasing politicisation of municipal governance.

He further asserted that individuals currently serving as administrators in city corporations should be barred from contesting the upcoming elections, arguing that this would ensure a level playing field.

The NCP leader also called for the abolition of party symbols in local government elections, stating that such a move would help reduce partisan influence at the municipal level and encourage more independent civic leadership.

Call for Election Timeline Reform

Nahid Islam additionally urged the authorities to complete all local government elections within the next six months. He argued that prolonged delays in holding elections weaken democratic accountability and allow administrative structures to become overly centralised.

According to him, timely elections are essential to restoring public trust in local governance and ensuring that elected representatives, rather than appointed officials, manage city affairs.

Broader Political Context

The announcement comes at a time when local government elections in Bangladesh are expected to draw significant political attention, particularly in major urban centres such as Dhaka, where governance, infrastructure, and public service delivery remain key electoral issues.

The nomination of high-profile figures, particularly in Dhaka South and North, is widely seen as an early indication of intensified competition among political forces ahead of the upcoming city corporation polls.

Political observers suggest that the inclusion of former government advisers and legal professionals reflects the party’s strategy of combining administrative experience with grassroots credibility in urban constituencies.

As preparations for the elections continue, attention is expected to focus on candidate campaigns, administrative neutrality, and the broader debate over reforms in local government electoral practices.