NCP Convener Nahid Islam spoke to reporters after a meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) at the Election Commission office in Agargaon this afternoon. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Dec 3, 2025 (BSS) - National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam 
today said the Election Commission (EC) should announce the election schedule 
taking into account the prevailing political situation, as the commission has 
not yet clearly stated when the schedule will be declared and has only hinted 
that it may come within one to two weeks.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner 
(CEC) at the Election Commission office in Agargaon this afternoon, Nahid 
reiterated that the EC must proceed carefully given the country's volatile 
political environment.

Expressing concern over the EC's institutional capacity, Nahid said several 
officials accused of corruption in previous years still remain within the 
commission. He said the NCP has repeatedly provided the EC with information 
in this regard and urged the commission to remain vigilant and take 
appropriate action.

"We do not want the electoral process to be disrupted in any way. Holding a 
free and fair election on time is the most crucial priority, and the NCP will 
extend full cooperation," he said. "But if the commission behaves in a biased 
manner, we will be compelled to express complete no-confidence and take a 
tough stance."

NCP Chief also said allegations centering the appointment of deputy 
commissioners (DCs) and superintendents of police (SPs) have not been 
clarified, the process remains opaque, and there are fears of political 
influence. 

For this reason, he urged the EC to stay alert and ensure neutral officials 
are placed in key positions ahead of the polls.

NCP Convener said the party welcomed the proposed reforms related to 
political symbols and the practice of multiparty democracy. He reiterated 
that every political party must be allowed to contest elections with its own 
symbol, ideology, and identity. Even in alliances, partners should retain 
their separate symbols, he added.

"But attempts are being made by one party to pressure the government, the EC 
and various institutions to scrap this reform so that alliance partners can 
contest under a single electoral symbol," he said, adding that when such 
demands were not met politically, attempts were made to challenge the reform 
through a writ petition in court.

Nahid said the NCP urged the CEC to take a firm stance in favour of the 
reform and fight any legal challenges. He said the party would also support 
the reform through legal means.

He also said the EC must verify all information submitted in candidate 
affidavits and take action if any inaccuracies are found. Laws enforced by 
the Election Commission must apply equally to all parties, he added.

Referring to the excessive use of money in elections, Nahid said Bangladesh's 
electoral culture is plagued by black money and campaign spending often far 
exceeds the legal limit. He urged the EC to adopt a strict position against 
such violations.

Nahid said the NCP expects a free and neutral election, but concerns remain 
regarding the level playing field, especially in light of politically 
influenced transfers of DCs and SPs, which he warned could affect the 
election environment.

On the issue of the upcoming referendum, he said the four-part question 
format and the amount of time required for each vote are matters the EC is 
still reviewing. Without proper public awareness campaigns, misinformation 
and disinformation may increase, he warned, especially against women 
candidates who often face cyber bullying. 

Responding to a question on whether the EC is preparing to declare the 
schedule next week and if the NCP believes the environment is stable enough, 
Nasiruddin Patwary said ballot management for expatriate voters is time-
consuming, which is why the commission wants to move quickly. 

"But we have told them to consider the political crisis as well. All 
political parties are agreed on this (Holding the election on planed time). 
There is no dispute. We firmly believe the country is heading toward a fair 
election in February," he said.

Asked whether BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia's critical illness might 
affect the election schedule, Patwary said, "No, it will not affect the 
schedule. She fought for democracy for a long time. The government is showing 
respect, and so are we. Everyone has emotional attachment with her; this goes 
beyond BNP politics."