Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) has voiced serious concerns over what they describe as a deepening political crisis surrounding the contested 2020 Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) election.

According to NCP leaders, Election Commission has displayed blatant bias in handling related legal challenges.

"We cannot trust this Commission," declared Akhter Hossen, Member Secretary of NCP at Tuesday`s press briefing.

The controversy centres on the case "Ishraque Hossain vs Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh & Others," where Election Commission, despite being named as a defendant, chose not to contest the proceedings. This unusual move resulted in what NCP describes as a "one-sided verdict" favouring the plaintiff.

More troublingly, the Commission reportedly rushed to publish an official gazette notification at night before receiving legal guidance they had formally requested from Ministry of Law.

"Their actions clearly demonstrate partisan behaviour rather than the neutrality required of such a crucial democratic institution," Akhter emphasised.

NCP highlighted that an administrator was appointed to Dhaka South City Corporation on August 19 under relevant legal provisions, effectively rendering the case meaningless before the verdict was even delivered.

Formed under "Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Appointment Act 2022," the current Commission has already rejected reform proposals, including measures to prevent absconding individuals and those accused of war crimes from participating in elections.

Meanwhile, essential public services and social protection programmes face significant disruption due to the absence of elected representatives. The precedent set by the Ishraque Hossain case has triggered similar legal challenges across the country, further complicating the political landscape.

NCP has announced a protest rally scheduled for 12:00 PM on Wednesday outside the Election Commission office. Their primary demand is for the interim government to urgently restructure the Commission based on Reform Commission recommendations and organise immediate local government elections.

"Only through proper elections can we resolve this crisis and end citizens` suffering," Hossain concluded.