NCP calls Islami Andolan's exit from alliance 'undesirable', signals possible increase in seats
"The NCP had initially decided to contest 30 seats under the alliance, despite submitting nomination papers for 44 candidates. Many candidates were withdrawn in the interest of alliance unity. Given the current situation, the number of seats may increase,” NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud says.
The National Citizen Party (NCP) has termed Islami Andolan Bangladesh's decision to stay out of the Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance as "undesirable", while also hinting that the number of seats allocated to the party under the alliance may increase in the changed political situation.
"Islami Andolan had been part of the alliance-building process from the outset, and its last-minute decision to contest the election independently was unexpected," NCP spokesperson and Chairman of the party's Election Management Committee Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain said at an emergency press conference held at the party's central office on Friday (16 January).
"We had hoped to cross the electoral hurdle together. Discussions are still open, and those who agree with the principles and framework of this alliance will be welcome to join," he added.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
On seat sharing, the former adviser said the NCP had initially decided to contest 30 seats under the alliance, despite submitting nomination papers for 44 candidates. "Many candidates were withdrawn in the interest of alliance unity. Given the current situation, the number of seats may increase."
Asif Mahmud also expressed deep concern over attacks on candidates and questioned the Election Commission's ability to ensure security, citing an attack on supporters of an independent candidate in Mymensingh-1 and an attempted killing of NCP candidate Abdullah Al Amin in Narayanganj as signs that the election environment remains risky.
He dismissed allegations raised by the BNP over postal ballots as "laughable" and an "ominous signal," stating that arranging ballots in alphabetical order of symbols is a standard procedure. "Casting doubt on efforts to ensure voting rights for expatriates is harmful to democracy," he said.
Referring to past elections, the NCP leader said the party does not want to see any repeat of "night-time voting" or "centre capture" after the July Uprising.
He alleged that people were deprived of voting rights in the last three elections and stressed that it is now the government and the EC's primary responsibility to ensure a free environment so voters can give their mandate properly.
