Voters Seek Security Over Hollow Promises, Says Nahid

In a scathing critique of mainstream political pledges, Nahid Islam, the Convenor of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) and the 10-party alliance candidate for Dhaka-11, has dismissed popular welfare schemes as deceptive tools for corruption. Speaking as a special guest at a massive rally in the Dhaka-15 constituency on Thursday, Nahid asserted that the electorate is no longer interested in “Family Cards” or high-rise flats, but is instead yearning for a life defined by safety, dignity, and justice.

Critiquing the ‘Card’ and ‘Flat’ Culture

The rally was organised in support of Dr Shafiqur Rahman, the Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and the 10-party alliance’s heavyweight candidate for Dhaka-15. During his address, Nahid Islam took aim at the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) recent campaign promises.

“Who will truly benefit from these 2,000 or 3,000-taka Family Cards?” he questioned. “Will the impoverished actually receive them, or will they be forced to pay a 1,000-taka bribe just to secure a 2,000-taka card?” He further criticised the paradox of promising welfare while allegedly nominating “loan defaulters and looters” for parliamentary seats, arguing that such individuals would only resume plundering the national exchequer if returned to power.

Comparative Political Pledges vs. NCP Demands

Slum Dwellers and the Mirage of Housing

Addressing the announcement by Tarique Rahman regarding the construction of flats for slum dwellers, Nahid was dismissive. He argued that the urban poor are weary of being used as electoral pawns. “Slum dwellers do not want flats they can never truly own; they want a safe life, which is possible even within their current communities if the state provides protection,” he stated. He reminded the crowd that past regimes promising flats often ended up orchestrating mass evictions once the polls were over.

The 2026 Referendum: A Vote Against Fascism

Nahid Islam emphasised that the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election is unique due to the concurrent National Referendum. He called upon the public to use the referendum as a tool to dismantle the remnants of tyranny.

“This is not just a contest of candidates; it is a mandate on our future. We will vote ‘Yes’ in the referendum to affirm justice, but we are saying a resounding ‘No’ to discrimination, extortion, and hegemonism,” Nahid declared. He admitted that while the initial goals of the student-led uprising had faced setbacks, a victory in the referendum would transform the movement into a “triumph of the people’s will.”

A Warning to the Election Commission

Concluding his speech, the NCP leader issued a stern warning to the Election Commission (EC). He demanded absolute transparency and warned against providing any “special favours” to specific political parties. “We are on the ground, and we are watching. No injustice or administrative bias will be tolerated in this election,” he cautioned.