NCP demands changes to election schedule

The National Citizen Party, NCP, has demanded revisions to parts of the election schedule while keeping the polling date fixed on February 12. The party also urged the Election Commission, EC, to ensure equal treatment for all political parties.

NCP chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary made the remarks while speaking to reporters on Wednesday, December 24, after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at the Election Commission building in Agargaon, Dhaka.

After the meeting, NCP joint member secretary Jahirul Islam Musa said the party placed proposals on law and order, enforcement of the code of conduct, expatriate voting, the overall electoral environment and the referendum. He particularly demanded that actions taken over violations of the code of conduct be more widely publicised in the media.

Nasiruddin Patwary said the country is currently passing through an unstable situation and stressed that the election must be held on time. He alleged that the Awami League is trying in various ways to derail the election. While one party is campaigning for a ‘no’ vote, he said NCP is calling on people to vote ‘yes’ in the interest of national reform.

He also claimed that remnants of “fascism” still exist within the Election Commission, adding that the EC must enhance its capacity and cooperate with political parties to ensure a credible election on the 12th. NCP has requested a rethink of several dates in the schedule.

On the election symbol, he said that even if NCP joins any alliance, it will contest the election under the ‘Shapla Kali’ symbol. He added that the party would not allow any attempt to destabilise the country.