NCP protests at Nirbachan Bhaban demanding EC reconstitution, local polls first

The National Citizen Party (NCP) held a demonstration in front of Nirbachan Bhaban today (21 May), calling for the reconstitution of the Election Commission (EC) and immediate arrangements for local government elections.

The protest, organised by the NCP Dhaka city unit, began around noon in Agargaon and ended at 2:10pm. The party leaders accused the AMM Nasir Uddin-led commission of being formed hastily before implementing necessary reform initiatives.

"This commission has already lost its neutrality," said NCP Gulshan Thana unit leader Nur Islam Jewel. He added, "We don't want this commission," noting it was formed under a law created by a "fascist regime."

During the demonstration, NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary sharply criticised Law Adviser Asif Nazrul, Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed, and Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud, claiming they are "BNP spokespersons," reports UNB.

"If the reform recommendations are not implemented, these advisers who are 'BNP spokespeople' will be forced to resign through a programme," he warned.

He said, "Wahiduddin Bhai [who was an education adviser] is working to sink education in Bangladesh, Salehuddin Bhai is working to sink the country's financial sector. Asif Nazrul is working to sink the law ministry."

Accusing Asif Nazrul of misleading the public, Nasiruddin said, "Asif Nazrul once gave a false assurance that the July Declaration would be made, but didn't. He betrayed…"

"If there is any change of words this time, I don't know whether Asif Nazrul will remain in Bangladesh," he warned.

He said the NCP is waiting for the July Declaration, after which "the EC will be reconstituted, local elections and the constituent assembly election will be held, and we will get a beautiful Bangladesh."

Criticising the current EC, Nasiruddin said it was created under a 2022 law enacted during an authoritarian regime, despite opposition from political parties, including the BNP.

"This commission is a constitutional body, but it is playing the spokesperson role of a party instead of maintaining that (constitutional) position, which is shameful for the country," he said.

He suggested the EC first hold local body elections to test its competence, saying, "Local elections must be held before the national election. There will be no national election before the local elections."

Earlier in the day, security was tight around Nirbachan Bhaban. By 11am, a heavy police presence was seen along with barbed wire barricades placed in front of the EC building. Coast Guard, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) personnel were also deployed.

NCP members began gathering around 11:40am and faced no obstacles from security forces.

'No confidence in EC'

At a press conference held Tuesday night at the party's Banglamotor office, NCP declared it has no confidence in the EC and demanded its restructuring, along with the immediate start of local government elections.

The party's Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain announced the time and location of yesterday's protest during the briefing to press for these demands.

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

He added that holding local elections would help build an atmosphere suitable for the national polls, saying, "The current interim government, the administration, and the EC — 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 EC must definitely be restructured," he stressed.