The central office of the National Citizens Party (NCP) has turned into a hive of activity as aspiring candidates crowd in to collect nomination forms ahead of the 13th national elections.
Since distribution began on November 6, hundreds of hopefuls — including former bureaucrats, academics, doctors, and businessmen — have visited the party’s temporary office at Bangla Motor in Dhaka.
Many have arrived in processions with supporters, banners, and family members, giving the office a festive election-time atmosphere.
According to Rangpur Divisional Organizing Secretary Dr Atiq Mujahid, more than 150 forms had been sold as of yesterday evening.
“Most of the aspirants are grassroots leaders,” he said.
“No heavyweight figures have collected forms so far.”
Growing enthusiasm
The nomination process was formally inaugurated by Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari and Senior Joint Member Secretary Dr Tasnim Jara.
From November 7 to 9, the crowds at the office grew, with candidates and supporters marching to the 15th-floor headquarters of the party, chanting slogans and pledging to bring change through the ballot.
For many, this marks their first foray into national politics.
“I’m contesting for the first time, and regardless of the outcome, this feels like an achievement,” said Asadul Islam Mukul, who collected a form for the Dhaka-20 (Dhamrai) seat.
Another aspirant, Md Hafizur Rahman Khan Jewel, who plans to run from Kurigram-1, said he was inspired by the July Movement.
“We want new leadership. People are ready for fresh faces,” he said.
No heavyweights yet
Although no nationally prominent figures have joined the race, several NCP central leaders have taken forms.
They include Joint Member Secretary Monira Sharmin (Naogaon), Central Organizer Russell Ahmed (Lalmonirhat-Aditmari), and central leader Manjila Jhuma (Khagrachari).
According to Joint Chief Organizer Saifullah Haider, the party is receiving interest from professionals and educators.
“Professor SM Georges Kadir, a retired Rajshahi Government College teacher, is our strong candidate for Natore-3 (Singra),” he said.
“We are also in contact with familiar faces from different sectors.”
Party Convener Nahid Islam and Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, expected to contest from Dhaka-11, have yet to collect their forms.
Other senior figures, including Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, Joint Chief Coordinator Abdul Hannan Masud, and Southern Chief Organizer Hasnat Abdullah, are also expected to do so soon.
According to Advocate Tariqul Islam, a member of the election management committee, “Many senior and popular leaders will collect their forms in the coming days.”
The NCP election committee has set the deadline for form submission at November 13, with forms available daily from 11am to 10pm.