The National Citizen Party (NCP) officially received its registration certificate from the Election Commission on Monday at the EC headquarters in Agargaon.

NCP Convener Nahid Islam received the certificate from Akhtar Ahmed, Senior Secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat.

The party’s Chief Coordinator Nasir Uddin Patwary, Joint Convener Khaled Saifullah, and Joint Member Secretary Zahirul Islam Musa were also present.

Recognized as Bangladesh’s first student-led political party, the NCP emerged from the July 2024 mass uprising and was formally founded on February 28, 2025.

Party leaders said the NCP is committed to eradicating corruption, strengthening national unity, and ensuring progress for every citizen. Under the leadership of Nahid Islam, the party is built on principles of anti-fascism and anti-discrimination.

NCP leaders described the party’s registration as a “significant milestone” for the participation of the new generation in Bangladesh’s democratic politics.

NCP Convener Nahid said that EC should announce the election schedule only after carefully assessing the country’s current political situation to ensure stability and equal political opportunities for all parties.

He noted that although an election commissioner recently commented in the media that the schedule might be declared “within a week or two,” the EC has yet to provide any clear or official statement.

“Considering the prevailing political situation, the EC should announce the schedule at a time when political stability is ensured and every party has the space to properly present itself,” he told reporters.

Referring to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s condition, NCP’s Chief Coordinator Nasir Uddin Patwary said the government’s recent gesture of showing respect is a positive sign.

“Those who have fought for democracy deserve respect. The emotions and sentiments for Begum Zia are not limited to BNP alone—people across the country have feelings and respect for her,” he added.

He said the issue of the election schedule was also discussed during their meeting.

“If the schedule is announced at a moment when political stability has returned, the process will be much easier. Once the schedule is declared, everything enters a strict timeline. Given the current tense political environment and the fact that the uncompromising leader of democracy, Khaleda Zia, is ill, we said the crises should be resolved first so that everyone can be brought on board for a participatory voting process,” he explained.

When asked whether NCP is seeking a delay in the schedule, Patwary responded, “Why would we want to delay it? We simply want the schedule to be announced after resolving the existing crises.”

Nahid Islam reiterated that the timing of the schedule is crucial.

“The schedule should be announced at a point when political stability prevails and all parties are ready to begin their election journey in a proper political atmosphere. Announcing it after considering the political context would benefit everyone,” he said.