Nasiruddin Patwari, Chief Coordinator of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), has launched a sharp attack on the current Election Commission (EC), accusing it of acting as a proxy for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). He declared that the NCP would oppose all future elections—local or national—unless the EC is restructured.
Patwari made the remarks on Wednesday during a protest rally held in front of the Election Commission headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka. He emphasized that local government elections are due before the national polls, and pledged that “as long as we live, we will ensure this commission is reformed.”
The demonstration, organized by the NCP’s Dhaka Metropolitan Unit, drew around 150 leaders and activists, who demanded the immediate overhaul of the EC and called for the prompt scheduling of local elections. The rally followed a press conference at the NCP’s central office in Banglamotor, where Secretary General Akhtar Hossain officially announced the protest.
Speakers at the rally criticized the EC for being formed under the 2022 legislation, claiming it lacks both legitimacy and public trust. They called for a new Election Commission to be constituted based on recommendations from the Reform Commission. “How can mayors elected through illegitimate processes be seen as legitimate?” one protester questioned.
The NCP further warned that if their demands are not met, they will boycott all upcoming elections. The protest began at 11:30 AM, with participants marching in from various parts of Dhaka. Security around the EC building was tight, with heavy deployment of police, RAB, BGB, and Coast Guard forces, as well as barbed-wire barricades set up to maintain order.
The event concluded with a final speech from Patwari, who reiterated the NCP’s unwavering demand for electoral reform and a restructured Election Commission.
