NCP to prepare independently for local govt elections
NCP may consider coalition if public deems necessary: Sarjis
In a late-night press conference at the NCP office in Banglamotor, party leader and MP Abdul Hannan Masud announced that the National Citizens Party (NCP) has decided to contest every local parliamentary election. A six-member election committee has been formed to oversee preparations, and the party plans to field candidates for mayors, ward representatives, and all other positions in each city corporation.
Chief Organiser (North) Sarjis Alam highlighted NCP's growth over the past year, describing it as the country's third-largest political party. "We have faced many challenges, and with sufficient time, we could have increased our seat count from six. That is why we have started local election preparations early," he said.
Alam added that within a few weeks, the party will announce preliminary candidates for 12 city corporations, 490 upazilas, and all municipalities. A new organisational strategy will be implemented to strengthen the party's presence in every ward, and nationwide organisational work will commence in full force.
Regarding potential alliances, Alam said the party is preparing independently. "Jamaat is also preparing on its own. If the public deems it necessary at the last moment, we may consider a coalition in the national interest," he noted.
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He emphasised that anyone interested in running can begin activities in their respective units, and the party will engage with all prospective representatives, selecting those most acceptable to the public.
Alam further stated that NCP's doors remain open to individuals undervalued in other parties, and the party will not allow "engineering" or manipulative practices. After Eid, party leaders will tour nationwide to cultivate the next generation of leadership.
Meanwhile, NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud criticised the BNP government for rapidly appointing "party loyalists" as city corporation administrators. "It appears they have been appointed indefinitely," he said. Mahmud argued that such appointments threaten democracy, noting that the government has not provided a clear timeline for elections under contract-based administrators.
He also accused the government of spreading a "politics of fear" by using the police to suppress legitimate protests, likening these tactics to those used during authoritarian rule. Mahmud condemned ongoing attacks against NCP members, including arson at party workers' shops, and questioned the legitimacy of holding elections under administrators who may favour their own party.
