Desk Report– Nahid Islam, head of the newly formed Jatiya Nagorik Party (National Citizen Party), expressed concerns that holding a general election in Bangladesh this year would be challenging due to ongoing unrest and law and order issues. In an exclusive interview with Reuters, Islam highlighted that the interim government has not fully ensured public safety, which he believes makes it difficult to conduct a national election under the current circumstances.
Islam, the first significant political figure to voice doubt about the interim government’s timeline for elections, said that while there have been some short-term reforms in the policing system, they have not met expectations. “In the current law and order situation and policing system, I don’t think it is possible to hold a national election,” he stated.
The 26-year-old leader, who was an adviser to the interim government until recently, pointed out that the political environment has remained volatile since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in August following widespread, sometimes violent, student-led protests. Although the interim government, headed by Nobel laureate Prof. Muhammad Yunus, has suggested that elections could be held by the end of 2025, unrest has persisted.
Political analysts see Islam’s party, led by young people, as a potential force that could reshape the country’s politics, which have long been dominated by Hasina’s Awami League and rival Khaleda Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). These major parties have been demanding early elections, insisting that power should return to a democratically elected government.
Islam also pointed to various incidents of unrest, including attacks on symbols of Hasina’s government, clashes between student groups, and reports of violence against Hindus and other minorities. While the interim government has downplayed these reports, Islam acknowledged the volatile political landscape.
As the head of a party that was only formed last week, Islam stated that the NCP would be prepared for elections whenever they occur. However, he emphasized that before elections could be held, it would be essential to reach a consensus on the “Proclamation of the July Revolution,” a document the interim government plans to prepare in collaboration with political parties and student activists. This charter is intended to reflect the people’s aspirations and honor the 1,000 lives lost in last year’s violence.
Islam suggested that if consensus on the proclamation could be reached within a month, elections could be held immediately. However, if the process takes longer, he believes the election should be delayed.
In terms of party financing, Islam revealed that affluent individuals in Bangladesh are supporting the NCP, and the party plans to launch crowdfunding efforts for its new office and election fund.