The National Citizen Party (NCP) will announce by 15 November its preliminary list of candidates for the 13th national election, the party’s Convener Nahid Islam said today (5 November), adding that any alliance with other political parties would be formed only on an ideological basis.
“Discussions on alliances or partnerships must come from a place of shared values. If any political party expresses solidarity with the reform demands we outlined in the July Charter, we will consider forming a coalition,” he said.
The NCP leader was speaking to reporters after visiting the family of Gazi Salahuddin in Narayanganj’s Siddhirganj. Salahuddin, who took part in last year’s July Uprising, died on 26 October from bullet injuries sustained during the movement.
He said NCP has made it clear that it is preparing to contest the election, scheduled for the first week of February, independently, targeting all 300 constituencies. “Although we may avoid certain seats out of respect for those who played a leading role in the fight for democracy – for instance, Begum Khaleda Zia’s seat.”
“Our goal is to challenge the money-driven, godfather-dominated election culture. We want to see honest, hardworking citizens — teachers, imams, and community leaders — representing the people in parliament,” Nahid said.
Nahid also called on the government to support families of those injured or killed during the July Uprising, saying many were still awaiting proper treatment and recognition.
“The interim government failed to ensure medical care for the wounded, and as a result, the number of martyrs keeps rising,” he said, urging the next elected government to make a firm commitment to their welfare.
