The Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam has alleged that Jamaat-e-Islami appears to have an ulterior motive to delay the upcoming national elections, while the BNP and Jamaat are focusing solely on the timing of the referendum.

“One group is obstructing reforms, and another is trying to push back the election. But we want neither. We want the election to be held on time and the July Charter to gain legal basis,” Nahid said at a media briefing on the country’s political situation at the party’s temporary office in Banglamotor on Sunday.

He called on all political parties, including the BNP and Jamaat, to come together for national unity, adding, “We want to resolve this situation collectively.”

Nahid Islam stressed that the order to implement the July Charter must be issued by Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus. “If it comes from the President, it will be the last nail in the coffin, as he has no legal authority in this regard. The people will not accept it,” he said.

Criticising some parties for signing the July Charter without consensus, he said, “We have made our stance clear — we want state reform and have already proposed a framework for a Constituent Assembly election. But some parties failed to understand this. Signing the Charter without those who fought for its implementation is a betrayal of the nation.”

Although the time for signing the Charter has passed, Nahid believes the government can still give it legal validity. He also accused Jamaat of “playing the wrong political game” over the timing of the referendum and said differing statements from within the BNP were complicating matters. “If everyone agrees, the referendum can be held on the election day or before it,” he said.

Nahid warned that some groups were showing undue leniency toward the Awami League. “Even if there are differences among anti-fascist forces, everyone must remain united against the Awami League. Some are giving them indirect support, and such infiltration could sabotage the election,” he said, insisting that the national polls must be held in February for the sake of stability.

He accused the BNP of trying to build public opinion against the referendum, saying this was creating “unnecessary fear and confusion.” “We must see whether there is any conspiracy behind this,” he added.

On his party’s election preparations, Nahid said the NCP was selecting candidates independently and forming branch committees nationwide. Regarding the dispute over the party’s Shapla (Water Lily) symbol, he alleged that the Election Commission was deliberately trying to sideline the NCP. “They could have resolved this a month ago. As a new party, we expected more sincerity,” he said.

Nahid also accused India of supporting the “July massacre” by sheltering Sheikh Hasina. “As long as India maintains its current stance on the people’s uprising, Bangladesh–India relations will remain cold,” he remarked.

On reform issues, he said the NCP would not ally with parties opposed to reform. “The government has repeatedly altered the text under pressure from certain groups. We supported the provision in the initial draft stating that reform proposals would automatically be incorporated into the constitution after 270 days. If that clause is omitted, we will have to reconsider our support,” he said, adding that there is “no need for fear or panic” over the 270-day timeline.

He reiterated that the referendum could be held either before or on election day, saying, “It’s not the main issue — earlier would be better, but it could also coincide with the election if necessary.”

The NCP, he said, is preparing to contest all 300 constituencies in the upcoming national polls. “We are proceeding with all 300 seats in mind. The full list of candidates will likely be announced within this month,” he said, adding that he himself would contest from Dhaka.