National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam-File photo

DHAKA, Jan 10, 2026 (BSS)- National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam today said the party would announce within the next couple of days how many seats it will contest with Jamaat-e-Islami led alliance in the upcoming parliamentary election.

“We hope that by tomorrow or the day after, we will be able to clearly announce how many seats the NCP will contest within this alliance,” he told journalists after a meeting with the European Union election observation delegation at a city hotel.

Although the final seat distribution among all 11 alliance partners is yet to be finalised, Nahid said clarity would soon be provided at least regarding the NCP’s share.

He said the alliance is electorally prepared despite ongoing seat-sharing discussions, adding that no political party or alliance has yet been able to fully enter the competitive phase of campaigning.

Nahid said the Jamaat–NCP alliance was comparatively ahead of other parties and alliances, as it had already begun public outreach by engaging with people in neighbourhoods, public spaces and mosques, while its internal election preparations were largely complete.

Describing Jamaat-e-Islami as a disciplined party, Nahid said the NCP has also nearly finalised internal decisions on candidates and constituencies.

“Once the formal announcement is made, there will be no major challenges left. Even if there has been some delay, it will not significantly affect our overall election preparations,” he added.

Nahid also said if a particular political party is receiving special facilities and protocol from the government, it could undermine the level playing field in the election.

“This sends a signal through various levels of the administration and may create an uneven situation in the electoral field,” he said.

He further expressed concern over what he described as a tilt in sections of the mainstream media, alleging the publication of targeted negative and false reports against the NCP. 

He said these concerns have already been conveyed to the Election Commission and would continue to be raised.

Raising objections over the nomination process, Nahid alleged inconsistencies in the acceptance and rejection of nomination papers of loan defaulters and urged the Election Commission to take strict action in line with the law. 

He also called for enforcement of electoral rules against violations of the code of conduct, including poster use during campaigning.

Expressing concern over election security, Nahid said incidents of public shootings and killings have created fear among candidates and activists. Although some security measures have been taken, he said unresolved killings, including those of Osman Sharif and Osman Hadi, continue to contribute to insecurity in the field.

Despite the situation, he said the party would continue its field activities and intensify campaigning after January 21, when formal electioneering begins, noting that maintaining law and order remains the responsibility of the government and the Election Commission.