We’ll work for coalition candidate, whoever he is: Nahid

National Citizen Party (NCP) convenor Nahid Islam has said that although 47 nomination papers have been submitted on behalf of the party, the list is not yet final.

Some additional nomination papers were submitted as a precautionary measure, taking into account possible errors and other considerations, he explained.

The final number of NCP candidates would become clear within the next few days, Nahid added.

The NCP convener made the remarks at a press conference held on Monday evening at the party’s temporary central office in Banglamotor, Dhaka.

The NCP is contesting the 13th Jatiya Sangsad (national parliament) election as part of an 11-party electoral alliance that includes Jamaat-e-Islami, based on seat-sharing arrangements among the coalition partners.

Although the NCP initially nominated candidates in 125 constituencies, the final number of seats in which it will field candidates will be lower.

Referring to this issue, a journalist asked how the party would manage the concerns of those who had initially received NCP nominations but may now be excluded.

In response, Nahid Islam said, “Leaders and activists of the NCP across the country, as well as those of our affiliated organisations, will work in favour of a ‘yes’ vote in the referendum, and regardless of who the coalition candidate is, we will all work together for that candidate. This is in the interest of the party. And, the political decision we have taken at this time is based on the opinion of the majority. Therefore, everyone will accept this decision in the interest of the party and the broader political interest of the present moment. Any personal sacrifices made will be duly recognised and evaluated by the party in due course.”

Explaining why additional nomination papers had been submitted, Nahid Islam reiterated that discussions were ongoing and that the exact number of constituencies in which the NCP would field candidates would be clarified through consultations in the coming days.

At the same press conference, it was announced that former adviser to the interim government Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain had joined the NCP.

Nahid Islam described Asif Mahmud, whom he referred to as a “frontline fighter” of the July uprising, as a historic addition to the party, expressing hope that his inclusion would help advance the NCP’s goals and objectives.

Nahid Islam further announced that following his joining, Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain would assume the role of spokesperson for the NCP, in addition to being appointed head of the party’s election management committee.

Sitting beside Nahid Islam at the press conference, Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain said that in the upcoming election he would work to ensure the victory of his fellow “comrades” from the uprising.

“As long as I can contribute to sending many more of our comrades from the July mass uprising to parliament, rather than focusing on any single individual entering parliament, and can fulfil my responsibilities properly, there can be no greater success than that,” he said.

Asif Mahmud also called on all forces that took part in the July uprising to remain united.

He expressed optimism that Bangladesh would successfully transition along a democratic path without violence. “I will continue to work towards this democratic transition.”

Calling on voters to cast a ‘yes’ vote in the referendum, Asif Mahmud said, “There will be two ballots in the election. On one ballot, you will elect your MP and the government, who will remain in office for five years. Whether they will keep their commitments or not remains uncertain. But if you vote ‘yes’ in the referendum and pass these reforms, I believe Bangladesh will advance by 100 years.”

Nahid Islam also informed the press that NCP chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari had stepped down from the party’s election management committee due to his candidacy in the election.

Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain has been appointed to replace him in that role. Nahid added that Asif Mahmud has also been included in the party’s highest political council.