National Citizen Party (NCP) on Monday announced the launch of a centrally managed crowdfunding initiative ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election, seeking financial support directly from the public.
Speaking at a press conference at the party’s temporary office in Banglamotor, NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan said the party does not want to rely on money from loan defaulters or business groups to enter parliament.
“We do not want to go to parliament with money from loan defaulters or businessmen. We want to go to parliament with the people’s money and remain accountable to the people,” Asif said.
He said although NCP candidates had earlier raised election funds individually, the party has now decided to introduce a centralised crowdfunding system through a designated website. Donors will be able to contribute either to the party as a whole or to individual candidates.
Asif said contributions will start from a minimum of Tk 10, allowing people to donate according to their capacity. “Those who can afford more may give more, but we have no intention of taking large sums from a single individual. We want broader public participation.”
The funds would be disclosed to the public through annual audits. “Unlike the BNP, we will not contest elections with thousands of crores of taka from loan defaulters. We have only a handful of wealthy candidates. Our core principle is accountability,” Asif added.
When asked whether the donated funds would be returned if the NCP ultimately decides not to take part in the election, Asif declined to comment, saying no final decision has been made yet. “We wanted to bring the Election Commission under accountability. If that does not happen, we will take a considered decision.”
Rejecting allegations of corruption against him, Asif challenged his accusers to prove their claims. “If anyone can prove that I am corrupt, I will accept whatever punishment is imposed.”
If, he added, corruption by a powerful party like the Awami League can come to light, proving allegations against him would not be difficult if they were true.
Asif also warned that what he described as ‘false’ corruption allegations could be brought against NCP leaders in the coming days and urged party members to remain cautious.