NCP being deliberately framed as anti-election, alleges Hasnat

The National Citizen Party (NCP) is being deliberately and systematically portrayed as anti-election, the party's Chief Coordinator (southern region) Hasnat Abdullah alleged today (11 July).

Referring to BNP, Hasnat said, "Whenever we speak out against extortion, a certain political party becomes unhappy. When we criticise the Election Commission's double standards, they get upset. When we expose their monopoly on public tenders, they grow angry.

"And when we point out the conspiracies being hatched from London, they take offense. If you truly oppose fascism, then why be so irritated by our stance?"

The NCP leader made the remarks while addressing a rally held at Zero Point in Jashore city, part of the party's ongoing "Desh Gorte July Padayatra" (July Walkathon for Building the Nation) campaign.

Hasnat further emphasised that the NCP wants reforms, justice, and elections as a comprehensive package. "We want elections, but not at the expense of necessary reforms. Our demand is clear — judicial reforms, July charter, and fair elections must all happen together," he said.

The rally was moderated by the party's Chief Coordinator for the northern region, Sarjis Alam.

Also speaking at the event, NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain warned the authorities not to push reform talks off the negotiation table and onto the streets.

"Discussions on reforms are currently on the table, but if those talks are ignored, the people of Bangladesh will take to the streets in even greater numbers than before," he said.

Pointing to the BNP, Akhtar said, "While we are talking about reforms, they are only talking about elections. If the Hasina-era system, constitution, judiciary, and administration remain unchanged, our dream of building a new Bangladesh will remain just a dream."

Earlier in the day, the NCP Jashore district branch hosted a views-exchange meeting at a local hotel.