National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam. Photo : Collected

DHAKA, Jan 22, 2026 (BSS) - National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam today said the February 12 election must be held in a free and fair manner, 
asserting that there is no alternative to a credible election and that no other plan would work.

"The election on February 12 must be fair. There is no alternative to a fair election. No other plan will work," he said.

Nahid made the remarks while addressing a public rally at the Adarsha School ground in Mirpur-10 this afternoon. The rally also marked the formal launch of the election campaign of the 10-party electoral alliance.

Referring to the growing public support for the alliance, he said, "Across Bangladesh, the candidates of the 10-party electoral alliance are witnessing 
a massive public surge. On February 12, the people of Bangladesh will see this with their own eyes, Insha'Allah."

The NCP convener called upon the Election Commission to act neutrally to ensure a credible election. "To make the election fair, the Election Commission must behave impartially. The same code of conduct must apply to both sides. No form of discrimination will be accepted-I want to remind the Election Commission of this," he said.

He noted that the alliance has so far confined itself to verbal statements and has not yet taken to the streets. "We are still speaking with words; we 
have not yet come down to the streets, because when we come to the streets, it will be for the election," he said, adding, "Do not force us into an 
agitation."

Nahid also paid tribute to Sharif Osman Hadi, recalling his struggle in Dhaka-8. "Sharif Osman Hadi began his fight in Dhaka-8 against domination, in favour of democracy and voting rights. Today, that fight has spread across the whole of Bangladesh," he said, describing it as a struggle for justice, freedom and sovereignty.

He said the national struggle is not yet over, claiming that conspiracies against Bangladesh are still continuing. "Imperialist and fascist forces are still able to sit in Delhi and talk, still able to hatch various conspiracies," he said.

According to Nahid, two struggles must be carried forward simultaneously-one against imperialism and fascism, and another within the country against corruption,extortion and discrimination.

Reflecting on the post-uprising political journey, he said, "After the mass uprising, we began politics and the work of building a new Bangladesh with hope and aspiration. In many ways, we have failed. Many tasks remain unfinished." 

He expressed confidence that the 10-party alliance would complete those unfinished tasks through a landslide victory in the election. "We are a united Bangladesh. We are Bangladesh," he said.

Speaking about housing for slum dwellers, Nahid said slum residents do not want flats but security of life and dignified employment. He alleged that those who promised flats in the past were the same people who planned evictions and set slums on fire. "They said, 'We will give flats, leave the slums'," he said, adding that people would judge such promises themselves.

He said the people of the country have already understood, and will understand even more clearly, who is deceiving them before the election, who is opposing reforms and who is cheating the public.

Calling upon voters, Nahid urged them to vote for the candidates supported by the 10-party alliance on February 12. He mentioned the alliance symbols, including the scale in Dhaka-15 and other symbols such as "Shapla Koli" (Water Lily Bud), bud and rickshaw in different constituencies.

"We will together build a new Bangladesh against discrimination and corruption, and in favour of justice," he said. Nahid said the upcoming 
election is not merely about changing a government. "This is not an election for changing power; it is an election for changing the structure of power," he said, adding that a referendum is also associated with the election.

He said votes in the referendum would be cast against dynastic politics, corruption, discrimination and domination, and in favour of justice and the 10-party electoral alliance. "Insha'Allah, in this referendum and election, the 10-party electoral alliance will win, form the government and lead Bangladesh forward," he added.