Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Friday said that forming alliances or coalitions with other parties during elections is a strategic decision the party will make at the right time, but for now, the NCP will pursue its independent path.
Speaking at the party’s national coordination meeting at Shaheed Abu Saeed International Convention Center on Mintu Road in Dhaka, Nahid said NCP does not align with any existing major political party.
“We do not support BNP, we do not support Jamaat-e-Islami, and we do not consider other parties suitable for Bangladesh at this time. That is why we formed a new party. Our primary focus is to stand on our own feet. Decisions on alliances are secondary,” he said.
Nahid emphasized that the NCP is a distinct political party with its own goals and ideals, which it will present directly to the people. “We will consolidate our base and strengthen our own political ground. If any party agrees with our vision and objectives, they may join us, but we will first stand independently,” he said.
Addressing questions from journalists, Nahid clarified that NCP is not participating in the dual-level movement led by Jamaat-e-Islami, because it opposes proportional representation (PR) in the lower house. Instead, the party supports PR and effective accountability in the upper house and wants the July declaration implemented accordingly.
On party expansion, Nahid said he has issued instructions for rapid organizational growth. By October, NCP aims to establish conveners’ committees in every district, upazila, and union, transitioning from coordination committees to full conveners’ committees.
Regarding future programs, Nahid outlined plans to organize grassroots campaigns for new governance arrangements and constitutional reforms. Following the district-level July declaration march, the party now plans upazila-level initiatives and ongoing “Uthan Baithak” (courtyard meetings) at village and union levels.
On party registration, Nahid confirmed that the NCP has been informed about its registration status and is awaiting approval. “We have been told nothing about the symbol yet. When we spoke with the Election Commission, no legal reason was given for denying the Shapla symbol. We are hopeful it will be granted,” he said.
