NCP seeks EC's clarification on referendum process

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has urged the Election Commission (EC) to clearly state its position on the proposed referendum, saying the issue requires specific guidelines.

The EC did not respond to the query during the dialogue. Speaking at a meeting with seven political parties at the EC headquarters today (19 November), NCP chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary said a free and credible election depends on the Commission's independence.

If the EC works strictly according to the constitution and remains free from political influence, the NCP will extend full cooperation, he added. Patwary said the referendum is a major concern for the upcoming election. The EC must clarify how it will be conducted, when it will take place, and what measures will be taken to prevent fraud.

The party will prepare and cooperate as per the EC's instructions. He proposed forming a monitoring cell to ensure women voters' participation, noting that many may face cyber harassment during the polls. He also suggested activating law enforcement agencies to encourage youth voters and maintain democratic discipline.

Expressing concern over expatriate voter participation, Patwary said the process should begin early to increase turnout, which would enhance the election's credibility. He stressed the importance of ensuring clear candidate identities and symbols for voter transparency. Assigning a focal officer for each political party and forming a monitoring cell would help address concerns quickly, he added.

Patwary welcomed the initiative to include citizens turning 18 on election day in the voter list, and noted that the upcoming polls provide an opportunity for candidates to contest with their own symbols. The NCP will follow all EC directives and cooperate fully to ensure a fair and acceptable election, he added.

'BNP should not use photos of Ziaur Rahman or Tarique Rahman'

The NCP has urged the Election Commission to take immediate action if BNP candidates use photos of Ziaur Rahman or Tarique Rahman during their election campaigns, arguing that the commission's response will serve as its first real test under the new code of conduct.

Joint Member Secretary of NCP Zahirul Islam Musa says the code clearly allows candidates to use only the image of their party's current chief in campaign posters, leaflets, handbills and festoons.

For the BNP, he notes, the person is Begum Khaleda Zia, not Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman, not the late president Ziaur Rahman.

Pointing to section 7, clause 'cha', he says the EC must prove it can enforce its own rules.

Questioning the election commission's capability, Musa said, "Your real test will come. If BNP candidates use Tarique Rahman's photo, or the photo of martyred president Ziaur Rahman, you must apply the code of conduct. You must show your capability from the very first instance."

He argues that EC cannot demonstrate neutrality or credibility unless it acts against violations by powerful political actors. He says selective enforcement would turn the code into a tool of repression rather than a regulatory tool.

"We are stating clearly, the first test is whether you act against BNP candidates who use the photos of Tarique Rahman or martyred Ziaur Rahman. What action you take will show how committed you are to implementing this code," he says.

Musa also reiterates that the commission lacks clarity and capacity in several areas of enforcement, including penalty procedures, investigation timelines and the neutrality of field-level officials. But he insists that decisive action on photo use by BNP candidates will reveal whether the EC is prepared to uphold its own rules.