Dhaka, 5 November:
Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has announced that the party will publish its preliminary list of candidates by 15 November, with the goal of contesting all 300 parliamentary constituencies in the upcoming national election.

Speaking after a meeting with the family of Shaheed July fighter Gazi Salahuddin at Godnail in Siddhirganj, Narayanganj, Nahid clarified that any alliance or understanding with other political parties would be guided solely by ideology, not by political opportunism.

“If a political party shows solidarity with the reformist demands of the July Charter, we may consider an alliance. Until then, NCP will contest the elections independently,”
he said.

The NCP convener further stated that out of respect for those who led anti-fascist movements, the party would refrain from nominating candidates in certain constituencies, while in all others, NCP candidates would contest under the Shapla Kali symbol.

Nahid also emphasized the need for a change in Bangladesh’s electoral culture, saying:

“Our participation is a direct challenge to those manipulating politics through money, influence, and godfatherism. We demand that ordinary, honest, and popular people enter parliament—representatives the public can truly rely on.”

Expressing grief over the death of Gazi Salahuddin, Nahid criticized the interim government for failing to provide proper medical care to injured July fighters.

“Negligence has caused the number of martyrs and injured to rise continuously. Many require long-term treatment, yet it remains unaddressed,” he said.

He urged authorities to ensure free medical treatment for all those injured or harmed during the July uprising, warning that continued negligence would “only perpetuate the march of deaths.”

Addressing the circumstances surrounding Salahuddin’s death, Nahid noted that he was reportedly harassed by members of a political party days before his passing, a matter that has already reached local police.

“This raises serious concerns about the political safety of July fighters,” he said.

Concluding his statement, Nahid reaffirmed:

“The NCP stands firmly with the July fighters. Their sacrifices drove out fascism and laid the foundation for a new Bangladesh. Whoever forms the next government must not ignore or compromise their welfare.”