United News of Bangladesh

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has condemned and expressed deep concern over the shooting attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, an independent candidate for Dhaka-8 and spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha, in Bijoynagar on Thursday. In a statement issued Friday evening, NCP Joint Member-Secretary and Media Cell Secretary Mushfiq us Salehin said the attack was “a serious blow to the democratic process restored through public mobilisation.” The party wished a quick recovery for Hadi, who was critically injured, and urged the nation to keep him in their prayers. The NCP said the incident raises significant questions about the country’s law-and-order situation and the overall electoral environment. It expressed concern that no effective security measures were taken despite Hadi publicly reporting earlier threats to his life. The statement also noted previous incidents of crude bomb attacks near the NCP party office and alleged threats made to another candidate, calling the overall security lapses “unacceptable”. The party urged the government to identify and arrest the attackers along with those who may have supported or planned the incident. It also called for a full investigation into the source of the threats issued to Hadi. The NCP appealed to democratic forces, civil society and the public to speak out against violence targeting election candidates and reaffirmed its commitment to participating in the upcoming polls despite threats and intimidation. Hadi shifted to Evercare Hospital after surgery, no bullet found in head The party further demanded stronger security measures for all candidates and citizens to ensure a peaceful electoral process. Hadi suffered bullet injuries during an election campaign on Friday afternoon. He was shot by miscreants around 2:30pm while campaigning, said Inspector Md Faruk, in charge of the police camp at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH).  He was later taken to DMCH for treatment.  

National Citizen Party (NCP) on Wednesday (December 10, 2025)announced the names of its first batch of 125 preliminary nominees for the upcoming national parliamentary elections. The list was disclosed by Member Secretary Akhter Hossen at a press conference held at the party’s makeshift office in the city’s Banglamotor area. “We have completed the distribution of nomination papers. If we receive any complaints against the announced candidates, we will investigate and cancel their nominations if necessary,” Akhter said. Before the announcement, NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary said their party aims to ignite a ‘ballot revolution’ in this election and urged all to vote ‘Yes’ in the referendum to be held together with the national election. Read more: Jamaat, NCP, other parties join EC’s dialogue Nasiruddin instructed party nominees to campaign both for votes in favour of the party’s symbol Shapla Koli and for the ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum. Senior Joint Member Secretary Tasnim Jara said the party would present a ‘different flavour of candidature’ in this year’s polls, adding that the NCP had sold around 1,500 nomination forms. “We kept the form sale open for everyone.” Top Leaders, Their Constituencies The announcement includes all key members of the party’s central leadership. Convener Nahid Islam will contest from Dhaka-11, while Member Secretary Akhter Hossen will run from Rangpur-4. Chief Organiser for the Northern Region Sarjis Alam secured the nomination for Panchagarh-1, and Chief Organiser for the Southern Region Hasnat Abdullah will contest from Cumilla-4. Tasnim Jara and Nasiruddin Patwary will run from Dhaka-9 and Dhaka-18 respectively. Among other notable nominees, Joint Convenor Sarwar Tushar will contest from Narsingdi-2, Joint Convenor Tajnuva Jabeen from Dhaka-17, and Senior Joint Chief Coordinator Abdul Hannan Masud from Noakhali-6. Read more: NCP to contest election to promote ‘Yes’ in referendum: Nahid  

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Wednesday said the party is participating in the election to ensure a ‘Yes’ victory in the referendum, not to come to power, following the announcement of its candidates for 125 constituencies. “Let us not forget, this election is essentially a referendum. The main question is ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. That is why we are contesting,” he said while speaking at a press briefing at the party’s makeshift office at Banglamotor in the capital. Asked about the number of seats NCP might win in the general election, he said, “We are not contesting with a mindset of securing a specific number of seats. Had we aimed for power, we would have joined some big alliance.” Criticising the electoral environment, Nahid alleged that NCP posters are being torn in several areas and many are violating election rules. “Some are even showing armed demonstrations to intimidate.” He criticised the Election Commission, saying, “Mafia candidates and loan defaulters have been given nominations. Whether the commission will act against them will determine how fairly it conducts the election process.” NCP, AB Party, Rashtra Sangskar Andolon form new political alliance Recalling the party’s formation, Nahid said, “We waited seven months, hoping that existing political parties would reach a consensus to fulfil the aspirations of the young generation. Since they failed and remained busy with internal disputes and party agendas, NCP was formed to realise the youth’s aspirations.” On Wednesday, NCP released its preliminary list of candidates for 125 constituencies. Nahid will contest from Dhaka-11, which includes Badda, Bhatara and Rampura areas. BNP candidate MA Qaiyum is also running from this constituency.  

Hasnat Abdullah, Chief Organiser (South) of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has said people will decide whom they want to vote for. "If they want, they can give 500 votes to someone. If they wish, they can also give 2-3 lakh votes. We will accept the final decision of the people," he said during a daylong campaign in Cumilla-4 (Debidwar) on Wednesday. Hasnat expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome he received. "Your sincerity makes me more responsible. It gives me strength to overcome obstacles and resist those trying to capture the center," he said. During the campaign, Hasnat listened to public complaints, discussed future plans, and engaged actively with youth, farmers, and local residents in markets and rural areas.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Wednesday warned that the party will “resist” if immediate action is not taken against corrupt officials still working inside the Election Commission (EC). He issued the warning on Monday after a meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner at the EC headquarters in Agargaon. “There is still a lack of trust in the Election Commission. Many corrupt officials from the previous regime remain in their positions,” Nahid Islam told reporters. He added that the election schedule should be announced only after assessing the political environment and overall stability. NCP Chief Coordinator Nasir Uddin Patwary alleged that “a particular political party is putting pressure on the court and luring smaller parties into alliances in an attempt to undermine multiparty democracy.” He further said the EC must consider the ongoing political crisis and the deteriorating health of Khaleda Zia before announcing the election schedule. NCP receives official registration certificate Earlier in the day, NCP officially received its registration certificate from the Election Commission. Nahid Islam accepted 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 present during the handover. Recognized as the first student-led political party in Bangladesh, the NCP emerged from the July 2024 mass uprising and was formally founded on February 28, 2025.

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.

Visiting the ailing former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia at the hospital on Saturday, Hasanat Abdullah, Chief Organiser (South) of the National Citizen Party (NCP), prayed that “Allah keeps her alive to witness Sheikh Hasina’s execution.” Speaking to reporters, he alleged that during the Awami League government’s tenure, Khaleda Zia was not allowed to receive proper medical treatment in prison. “We heard that if any doctor wanted to treat her, they were harassed and intimidated,” he claimed. Meanwhile, Dr Tasnim Jara, senior joint member-secretary of the party, said Khaleda Zia has always fought for the country by rising above all partisan interests. She urged people of all political backgrounds to pray for her speedy recovery. BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia remains under close observation at the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of Evercare Hospital in the capital, where physicians are monitoring her condition intensively. She is responding to the treatment provided by the medical board, her personal physician Professor AZM Zahid Hossain said on Saturday.  “Alhamdulillah, her condition has remained stable for the last three days--27, 28 and 29 November. In medical terms, she is maintaining the treatment, meaning she can take the treatment the doctors are giving her,” he said.  

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Saturday said If people’s aspirations continue to be denied, such uprisings may recur as young people fight to reclaim their rightful prospects and future. “The previous ‘fascist government' had entrenched a discriminatory system in state administration and the economy, where 'mafias and looters monopolised power,” depriving ordinary citizens of their basic rights and legitimate aspirations,” he said. Speaking at the 4th Bangladesh Economic Conference at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in the capital, organised by Daily Bonik Barta, he said the governance structure of the past years was designed to benefit a select group of elites while neglecting the wider population. “As a consequence of prolonged deprivation, a sense of solidarity grew among the masses, especially the youth. That collective spirit led to the July uprising. It was not just a political upheaval; it was a deep-seated movement against inequality,” he said. Nahid Islam said the uprising reflected broader societal demands for fairness, dignity, and equal opportunity. While many analysts labelled it a political mass movement, he emphasised that its roots were economic and social. He identified employment creation and addressing the needs of an expanding urban middle class as the two biggest policy challenges now. Millions of young people enter the job market every year. Ensuring employment and securing the livelihoods of metropolitan middle-income families must be prioritised,” he said. Access to affordable education, healthcare, and essential public services must be guaranteed to prevent further social discontent, he added. The NCP convener said the new governance structure must give special emphasis to modernising urban public transport, creating an environment conducive to youth employment, and scaling up entrepreneurship development across major cities. On the role of expatriates in national development, he said migrants are eager to contribute politically and economically. “But without a justice-oriented economy, their involvement will have little impact. Development cannot sustain itself without good governance and effective anti-corruption measures,” he said.   Nahid Islam cautioned that attracting foreign investment would be impossible if “fascist tendencies or authoritarian attitudes” remain in the state machinery or political culture. “No investor will commit to a system lacking transparency, accountability and stability. Without stability, neither reform nor development can last,” he added. He said efforts have begun to recover laundered money, describing it as part of broader initiatives to restore confidence in the economy. “This is how we intend to steer the economic situation back toward recovery,” he said. Leading economists, policymakers, and business leaders attended the session, discussing challenges to inclusive economic growth and governance reforms.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Monday said the party is happy with the death sentence handed down to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in the case over last year’s July-August mass killings, but insisted that the Awami League as a political party must also be brought to justice. Taking to reporters at the NCP’s central office on Monday, Nahid said the verdict is against “individual Hasina,” but the Awami League, as a political organisation, was also involved in the mass killings and other acts deemed crimes against humanity. Hasina, Asaduzzaman sentenced to death; Mamun gets 5 years jail “This verdict proves the party’s role. Our appeal to the tribunal is to begin the trial of the Awami League now. As a party, they are equally responsible. Hasina, as party chief and head of government, ordered and planned the mass killing,” he said. Calling for the swift execution of the verdict, he said, “She must be brought back within a month and the sentence carried out. Our souls will find peace only when the execution is completed in her lifetime.” Govt calls death sentences for Hasina, Asaduzzaman a historic verdict Nahid said the families of those killed in July would get justice only when the verdict is executed. “We vowed to ensure justice on the day Abu Sayed was shot dead in Rangpur. Today the verdict has honoured that commitment,” he added.

National Citizens Party (NCP) wants to form an alliance with those who independently support reforms and oppose Indian hegemony, said party’s chief coordinator for the southern region Hasnat Abdullah on Tuesday (11th November 2025). Speaking at the inauguration of the Narayanganj district office of the NCP at the Somobay Building in the city, Hasnat said, “We are ready to join hands with those who independently stand for reforms.” “We can form alliances with those who support reforms, stand for Bangladesh, oppose Indian dominance, and uphold communal harmony,” he added. Hasnat, however, made it clear that the NCP would not align with any group or party that has opposed reforms or obstructed the country’s reform process. “The NCP has always made sacrifices in the greater interest of the nation,” he said. Cocktail explosion near NCP office in Banglamotor, 5 detained Calling the Awami League “irrelevant” in today’s Bangladesh, Hasnat remarked, “The Awami League has become irrelevant now. We need to look ahead. But we’ve seen that some paid intellectuals and beneficiaries of the Awami League have tried to generate legitimacy for the party through talk shows.” He said recent events have made it clear who were behind the acts of arson both in the past and the present. “The fall of the Awami League did not come through ballots; it came through a mass uprising. When a party falls through a popular uprising, it loses its political relevance. Those who are now trying to restore the Awami League’s legitimacy through ballots are, in fact, legitimising arson terrorism. That’s why unity among all anti-fascist political forces is the only way forward,” the NCP leader added. Read more: NCP’s candidate list on Nov 15; likely to skip Khaleda’s constituencies