The National Citizen Party (NCP) on Monday announced a centrally managed crowdfunding initiative ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election, aiming to raise funds directly from the public.
Speaking at a press conference at the party’s temporary office in Banglamotor, NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan said the party does not want to rely on money from loan defaulters or business groups.
“We do not want to enter parliament with funds from loan defaulters or businessmen. We want to go with the people’s money and remain accountable to the public,” he said.
Asif added that while NCP candidates had previously raised election funds individually, the party is now introducing a centralized crowdfunding system through a designated website. Donors can contribute either to the party as a whole or to individual candidates.
Contributions will start from a minimum of Tk 10, allowing people to give according to their capacity. “Those who can afford more may give more, but we do not intend to accept large sums from a single individual. Our goal is broader public participation,” he said.
The party plans to disclose the funds publicly through annual audits. “Unlike the BNP, we will not contest elections with thousands of crores of taka from loan defaulters. We have only a handful of wealthy candidates. Accountability is our core principle,” Asif added.
When asked whether donations would be returned if NCP decides not to participate in the election, Asif declined to comment, saying no final decision has been made. “We wanted to hold the Election Commission accountable. If that does not happen, we will take a considered decision.”
Rejecting allegations of corruption against him, Asif challenged his accusers to provide proof. “If anyone can prove I am corrupt, I will accept whatever punishment is imposed. If corruption by a powerful party like the Awami League can come to light, proving allegations against me would not be difficult if they were true,” he said.
He also warned that what he described as ‘false’ corruption allegations could target NCP leaders in the coming days and urged party members to remain vigilant.