NCP voices concern over lack of level playing field

National Citizens’ Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Sunday expressed deep concern over what he described as the absence of a proper level playing field ahead of the upcoming national election.

Speaking at a press conference organised by the party in Shahbagh, Nahid said the NCP expects a fair and peaceful election that moves away from Bangladesh’s long history of electoral violence and confrontation, UNB reports. 

“We are highly concerned because the level playing field that should exist before an election is simply not visible. Bangladesh’s electoral culture has long been dominated by force, administrative influence, black money, and muscle power. The expectation is to move toward a democratic and transparent process,” he said.

Nahid said there is a lack of firm commitment from the Election Commission, the government and the administration—elements he described as essential for a fair election.

“Leaders and activists of different parties are openly talking about how to control the administration and keep it under their grip. Political parties that were once allies now stand face-to-face,” he added.

Nahid alleged that plans are underway to turn the upcoming election into a “share-based, arranged or negotiated” exercise, warning that such attempts would be detrimental to Bangladesh’s democracy and to the new political aspirations that have emerged across the country.

“The NCP will never support any managed or negotiated election. Instead, we will stand firmly against it,” he asserted.

Nahid also called upon the government and all anti-fascist political forces to commit to rebuilding the electoral system, establishing democracy, and reducing inequality.

He urged cooperation in ensuring that the administration can carry out its responsibilities impartially.