NCP Vows to Contest All 300 Seats in Upcoming Polls

The National Nagorik Party (NCP), a recently formed political party in Bangladesh, has announced its intention to field candidates in all 300 parliamentary constituencies in the upcoming national election. Sarjis Alam, the party’s Chief Organiser for the Northern Region, made the declaration after Jumm'ah prayers at the Keramatia Mosque in Rangpur on Friday.

Speaking to journalists, Alam stated that the NCP is fully prepared to face the electoral challenge, despite being a new entrant in national politics. He said the party’s goal is to nominate honest, capable, and patriotic candidates who will work for the people and restore their right to vote freely. “The days of buying nominations and winning elections through manipulation are over. This time, the people will take back their voting rights, and we will enter Parliament as their rightful representatives,” he said.

Alam further added that politics in the past decade has been distanced from the masses. He said the NCP will take its message to the people across the country—from alleys and villages to the cities—by visiting 32 districts in northern Bangladesh. Referring to the events of July and August 2024, he reminded supporters of the sacrifices made and urged them to hold on to those memories as a source of strength and commitment to democratic values.

He shared that the party’s organisational structure is taking shape rapidly. District and upazila-level committees will be formed within a week, and a full organisational framework across all administrative levels is expected by April. Alam noted the strong support base among the youth, many of whom had played vital roles in national movements. He emphasised that leadership within the NCP would be based on merit, honesty, and commitment, combining the energy of youth with the wisdom of experienced political actors.

In regard to foreign relations, Sarjis Alam called for balanced, respectful, and sovereign diplomatic engagement with all nations. Drawing a comparison with the European Union, he stated that Bangladesh should also maintain its independence while cooperating internationally. He warned against foreign dominance and expressed his party’s firm stand against any form of intimidation or interference.

Alam also criticised the inequitable distribution of national budget funds, accusing past governments of favouring the southern region over the north. He pointed out that despite producing a large share of the nation’s crops and essential goods, northern Bangladesh had been historically neglected. He urged the interim government to address this disparity and allocate a fair share of the budget to the north, warning that injustice and inequality would ultimately undermine any regime. He remarked, “The downfall of Sheikh Hasina’s rule is a direct consequence of prolonged injustice.”

The press conference was attended by key figures from the anti-discrimination student movement, including Imran Ahmed, convener of the Rangpur district committee, Imtiaz Imti, convener of the metropolitan committee, and Rahmat Ali, secretary of the committee. A number of other party activists and supporters were also present at the event.