Without Reforms, February election unacceptable: Patwary

Nasiruddin Patwary, Chief Coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP), stated that the 13th national election scheduled for February next year cannot be held without prior reforms.

Speaking at the National Youth Conference in Dhaka, organised to mark International Youth Day, Patwary expressed his strong opposition to holding polls under the existing system. He said, “The election date has been announced for February, but it cannot happen then.”

He warned that if elections proceed without reforms, the government must account for the sacrifices made by his supporters, referring to those who lost their lives or limbs in the struggle.

Patwary criticised the ongoing plans for elections under what he described as the same “fascist” constitution and political system.

NCP Convener Nahid Islam, the chief guest at the event, emphasised that the political situation is still unsettled. “We made concessions last year and in the July Declaration, but in the upcoming July Charter, no concessions will be made,” he said.

He added that participation in the election will only be possible once the objectives of the July Charter are fully met, stressing the need for political unity to avoid a repeat of past political upheaval.

“Elections are desired, but only if accompanied by genuine change. No compromise will be made on the July Charter, and no party can come to power without fulfilling its promises,” Nahid Islam warned.

The conference was also addressed by BNP Joint Secretary General Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee and Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher.