No credible challenger in national election, says Nahid

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Jamaat-led 11-party alliance candidate for the Dhaka-11 constituency Nahid Islam on Wednesday said the BNP has failed to field any ‘credible challenger’ in the national election scheduled for February 12.

Talking to reporters during electioneering in Malibagh, Nahid alleged that the candidates contesting against them are either loan defaulters, dual citizenship holders, or involved in land grabbing, terrorism and extortion.

“We are facing candidates who are either loan defaulters or dual citizens; otherwise, they are land grabbers, terrorists or extortionists. The opposition alliance could not nominate any worthy opponent,” he said.

Referring to what he described as multi-layered conspiracies surrounding the election, Nahid claimed that both domestic and foreign plots are underway, with indications of ‘major conspiracies’ originating from a neighbouring country.

Expressing confidence about forming the next government, Nahid said public response in favour of the 11-party alliance has been unprecedented. “You can see it yourselves—the people are responding overwhelmingly. I am hopeful that this alliance will secure the required number of seats in Parliament to form the government.”

Claiming a strong position in his own constituency, Nahid said voters in Dhaka-11 are rallying behind them. “On February 12, people will deliver their verdict against corruption, extortion and terrorism. The ‘Shapla Koli’ symbol will emerge victorious in this constituency.”

Nahid also alleged that a political party is exerting pressure on the media, accusing it of influencing coverage ahead of the polls.

“The media is giving coverage to a particular party. There are also attempts to ensure that incidents like the takeover of polling centres on February 12 do not get reported,” he claimed.