Online Report : The National Citizen Party (NCP) may reconsider its participation in the upcoming elections if fundamental reforms are not ensured, hinted the party`s Convenor Nahid Islam.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday (April 16) in Dhaka after a meeting with visiting US diplomats, Nahid Islam expressed concerns about the prevailing political environment and the role of the administration.

Nahid Islam emphasized that the NCP is not advocating for mere minimum reforms, but is working towards comprehensive structural changes in the state. Without such transformative changes, any election held would not be acceptable and NCP’s participation in such a process would remain under consideration.

He stated, "We are witnessing the administration siding with BNP in various areas. At the grassroots level, there are widespread incidents of extortion, where the administration remains silent. We have clearly stated that elections under such an administration are not feasible. For a level playing field, we must ensure a neutral administration, police, and bureaucracy."

Nahid elaborated on the NCP’s three core demands; justice, reform and an election for a Constituent Assembly. "We have clearly said that we are not in favor of minimal reforms. We are advocating for fundamental reforms that bring qualitative changes to the state structure. Holding elections without addressing these issues would render the process illegitimate. Whether the NCP will participate in such an election remains to be evaluated."

He added that during the meeting with diplomats, discussions focused primarily on the current political situation, proposed reform initiatives and the future of democracy in Bangladesh. Topics such as minority rights, political direction, organizational activities and the ideological stance of the NCP were also discussed.

On the issue of the election timeline provided by the Chief Adviser, Nahid mentioned that while NCP initially supports the proposed timeframe, certain preconditions must be fulfilled before proceeding. "There needs to be a roadmap for justice, implementation of reforms and activation of the July Accord. Without addressing these, merely talking about the timing of the election is meaningless."

Reiterating his concerns about neutrality, Nahid stated, "The current field administration does not appear to be acting impartially. Our party members are facing attacks in various regions and in most cases, administration remains inactive. If such biased administrative behaviour continues, holding a fair election would not be possible."

He concluded that without fundamental changes in the system, particularly within the judiciary and administrative apparatus, NCP cannot accept any election outcome as legitimate, and their participation would depend on how these concerns are addressed.