NCP chief Nahid criticises BNP’s family card promise, urges voters to prioritise justice

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convenor Nahid Islam has criticised BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman’s promise of family cards for urban poor, arguing that slum residents seek safety and dignity, not flats.

Speaking at a Jamaat-e-Islami election rally in Mirpur-10 on Thursday, Nahid said it is possible to be safe even while living in a slum.

“In the past, those who promised flats have attempted evictions after elections. People now understand these false assurances. They will vote for justice, not for flats.”

Nahid began his address by referring to Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman as the “commander of the 10-party alliance”, also praising him as a “key leader of the anti-fascist movement” and a “persecuted, valiant leader”.

During the rally, Shafiqur handed over the NCP election symbol, the “balance”, to Nahid, who accepted it smilingly on stage. Several other leaders were later given the party symbol as well.

The criticism comes after Tarique addressed a prayer in Dhaka’s Mohakhali on Tuesday, seeking prayers from Korail slum residents for his election bid in Dhaka-17.

He pledged to improve living conditions through flats and family cards.

“Thousands of mothers and sisters sit here today. Across the country, mothers and sisters are suffering. God willing, we want to give them family cards, and farmers will receive farmer cards,” Tarique had said.

Nahid challenged these promises, questioning whether the poorest would actually benefit.

“Will those who need the Tk 2,000 cards get them, or will a Tk 1,000 bribe be demanded? On one hand they promise cards, on the other they nominate defaulters who will loot public money if elected,” he said.

He stressed that elections must be fair, the Election Commission must remain impartial, and no party should receive special favours.

Nahid called on voters to support the referendum alongside the parliamentary polls.

“This election is not only about rivalry. A referendum is also under way. We will all vote ‘Yes’, rejecting inequality, extortion, injustice, oppression, and authoritarianism,” he said, adding that a “Yes” victory would transform their earlier movement into a triumph for justice.