New alliance set to launch

National Citizen Party Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary yesterday said that a new political alliance will be unveiled within the next few days.

"Our discussions with like-minded parties are moving forward. People will see a new alliance very soon," he told an emergency press conference at the Shaheed Abu Sayeed Convention Centre in the capital's Shahbagh. He, however, did not mention which parties they were in discussions with.

He said his party is working to form an alliance with several parties that would stand for people's power, democracy, reforms, women's rights, and resistance against fascism, extortion, and corruption.

Patwary also accused the Election Commission of acting in a "one sided manner" and favouring a particular political party. "We aren't getting a level playing field."

He further said the new state would not be shaped based on BNP or Jamaat. "We aim to build a state free from religious fascism, extremism, and criminality, where all political groups -- including Jamaat, BNP,… Hindus, and NCP -- can exercise their rights."

According to the NCP's election nomination process, the party leader said, "We meet aspirants individually and won't nominate anyone linked to the Awami League, Jatiya Party or involved in extortion."

He said they were not afraid of BNP or Jamaat. "Threats made at night cannot stop us -- we've already overcome that fear. If anyone tries to stop us, we'll resist again…. Some people are still trying to undermine the electoral process and obstruct parliamentary reforms, as well as the trial of Sheikh Hasina."

NCP's Chief Coordinator (South) Hasnat Abdullah said, "The Jatiya Party functions as a political extension of the Awami League and India."

He urged the EC to disqualify Jatiya Party from the election, saying that its participation would distort the electoral environment. "If the polls are affected, the government and the Election Commission will be responsible for it."

Party officials said they screened over 1,000 aspirants in the past two days and have officially closed the process, and that aspirants who missed their turn or were not informed can now reach out through the party's hotline.