No problem with polls in Feb, but govt must ensure reforms, level playing field for political parties: NCP

The National Citizen Party has stated that it has no objection to the government-announced election timeline. However, the party emphasised that visible reforms and justice must be ensured before the elections, along with a neutral field administration and a level playing field for all parties.

Speaking at a press conference held today (6 August) at the party's temporary office in Rupayan Tower, Banglamotor, Party Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain commented on the interim government's recent address to the nation, where the chief adviser announced the election timeline.

Akhtar Hossain said, "We have always maintained that we have no objection if the election is held between December and June. However, it is the government's duty to ensure visible justice and implement reforms beforehand. In addition, neutrality in the field administration and a level playing field must be guaranteed before the polls."

Criticizing the government's failure to determine the actual number of casualties during the July movement, he said, "The July Declaration uses about 1,000 words, yet it fails to acknowledge the United Nations report stating that 1,400 people were killed during the July movement. This government's failure to account for the actual number of injured and deceased over the past year is reflected in the declaration."

Akhtar Hossain further noted that while the declaration speaks of anti-colonial struggles, it fails to mention the historic movement of 1947. "Including the struggles of 1947, 1971, and 2024 would have enriched the declaration," he added.

He also pointed out the omission of several key movements and incidents from the declaration, including the Pilkhana massacre, Shapla Square killings, judicial killings, anti-aggression protests, anti-Modi protests, the quota reform movement, and the student protests following the murder of Abrar Fahad.

"Had these been included, the declaration would have been more comprehensive and reflective of the people's struggles," he added.

Emphasising that the upcoming election must be held based on the July Charter, Akhtar Hossain said the reforms agreed upon by political parties in the Consensus Commission, as well as the decisions made by the commission, must be implemented under the authority of the interim government.

He added that the next election must be conducted on the basis of both the July Charter and the Declaration.