Nahid Islam, the convener of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), has said that the party will not enter into any seat-sharing arrangements with any political group for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election.Speaking at a press conference on Sunday (23 November) at the Shaheed Abu Sayeed Convention Center in Shahbagh, Dhaka, he said: “The National Citizens’ Party (NCP) has made its position very clear—we are trying to field candidates in all 300 constituencies independently. We want to go to the people with our own political principles. However, if any party or political force agrees with our election manifesto, our demands, and our ideological standpoint, then we are open to discussions. Any political understanding must be based on principles and ideology—not on the desire for power or seats. For seats, we will not compromise with anyone.”
Nahid Islam reaffirmed that even if the NCP does not win a single seat, the party will remain steadfast in its ideals, principles, and goals.
“We always try to maintain transparency in all our activities. We consistently present our views to the public. Our entire election process is moving forward with transparency. Therefore, if we engage in any form of alliance or discussion with anyone, we are prepared to speak openly with you and with the public,” he said.
He added that nomination seekers from across the country had gathered for the event.
“In recent weeks, we have seen a large number of skilled and competent individuals collecting nomination forms from our central office and online platforms. We had issued an open call—not only to NCP leaders and workers but to everyone. NCP is an emerging party, a party of ordinary citizens. We invited those who want to enter politics anew, who want to build the country, who are committed to establishing a democratic and inequality-free Bangladesh, and those who may never have imagined contesting an election or entering parliament.”
Referring to the post-uprising political atmosphere, he said:
“After the mass uprising, people are dreaming again. Many of us might not have been here today under different circumstances—but we are now united and actively engaged in the political process. We believe many individuals who had never considered politics or elections before now see a possibility and a dream.”
Nahid Islam urged the government and all anti-fascist political forces to uphold the spirit of the recent movement.
“We took to the streets as ordinary students to restore democracy, strengthen state institutions, rebuild the electoral system, and eliminate inequality. We must remain committed to these principles. To ensure the administration can work neutrally and responsibly, all of us must cooperate.”