‘Established political party not showing the maturity people expect’: Nahid on Shahbag, Nagar Bhaban blockades

A large and established political party is not showing the maturity the public expects from them in the present scenario, National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam said yesterday (21 May).

Speaking at a press conference in the party's Banglamotor office, Nahid said, "[Currently] Shahbag is being blocked, Nagar Bhaban is being shut down, there are threats to lay siege to [CA residence] Jamuna. They are trying to create instability in the country in various ways. Everyone should step away from this position."

At the conference, the party said it has no confidence in the Election Commission and demanded a restructure of the commission and immediate initiation of local government elections. 

The party's Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain announced a protest rally will be held in front of the Election Commission at 11am today (21 May) to press forth their demands.

Asked about the ongoing protests by supporters of Ishraque Hossain, demanding he be handed over responsibilities as the mayor of Dhaka South City, Nahid said this crisis was directly created by the Election Commission (EC). 

He said, "The EC did not contest the case [filed over the issue], nor did they appeal. So it is very clear that they are siding with a particular party and a particular candidate. Confidence cannot be placed in this commission for any national or other elections," he said.

The Election Commission needs to be restructured, and then the process of local government elections should begin, the NCP chief further said.

In response to a question suggesting that raising the demand for local government elections was a conspiracy to delay the national election, Nahid Islam said, "None of us has ever opposed the national election. The chief adviser has provided a timeframe from December to June for the elections, and we've supported that, saying the election can be held within that period. However, we've spoken of justice and reforms for the election. We've also said the Constituent Assembly election must be held simultaneously for a new constitution."

Nahid Islam added, "We never said the national election should be postponed in favour of local government elections. If necessary, let the dates for the Constituent Assembly and national elections be announced. Once the dates are announced and people are reassured, the local government election can be held beforehand."

The NCP leader also expressed his belief that holding local government elections will help create an environment for the national election. He said, "The current interim government, the administration, and the Election Commission — their capability will also be demonstrated through this [local] election. The local government election can be held before the timeframe given for the national and Constituent Assembly elections. But for this, the Election Commission must definitely be restructured."