NCP calls for strong action against JaPa

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has urged the authorities to take effective measures against the Jatiyo Party (JaPa), accusing it of playing a role in legitimising three illegal elections.

The call came during a meeting between the NCP delegation and Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Sunday evening at his Jamuna residence.

Ariful Islam Adib, senior joint convener of the NCP, told reporters that the July Charter revealed JaPa’s involvement in endorsing the controversial elections. He also pointed out that election posters of two of JaPa’s current secretaries-general identified them as Awami League nominees, which, he said, demonstrated the close ties between the two parties.

“For this reason, we have demanded effective action against the Jatiyo Party,” Adib said.

The NCP also called for appropriate steps against those who influenced the last three elections.

The party raised five key issues in the meeting, including the rehabilitation, treatment, and security of the injured July fighters.

They also urged the commission on enforced disappearance to take action against members of state agencies accused of involvement in enforced disappearances over the past 15 years.

On the legal and constitutional front, the NCP demanded that the next election be conducted as a Constituent Assembly election with a new constitution formulated thereafter.

Adib questioned the impartiality and capability of the Election Commission, citing a recent assault incident at the commission’s office.

The NCP stressed the importance of maintaining law and order nationwide and ensuring the smooth conduct of student parliament elections at universities.

Additionally, the party advocated for allowing individuals turning 18 in February to participate in the upcoming elections.

The NCP delegation included Hasnat Abdullah, chief coordinator of the Southern Region; Ariful Islam Adib, senior joint convener; Dr. Tasnim Jara, senior joint member secretary; and Abdul Hannan Masud, senior joint chief coordinator.