The newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP), spearheaded by student leaders of the July-August mass uprising, has stepped into the political arena but is yet to apply for registration with the Election Commission (EC). Without registration, the party will be unable to contest the national elections.
The interim government, led by Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, plans to hold parliamentary elections by late 2025 or mid of 2026.
However, discussions within the leadership are going on regarding the necessary documentation and procedural requirements for registration, sources said.
Under the EC regulations, to secure EC registration, NCP must submit a formal application along with key documents, including its constitution, election manifesto, rules and regulations, party logo and flag, a list of central executive committee members, details of its bank accounts and funding sources, and proof of securing at least five percent of the vote in any constituency.
The party must also establish an active central office, functional district offices in at least one-third of administrative districts, and operational offices in 100 upazilas or metropolitan police precincts, with a minimum of 200 registered supporters in each location.
Additionally, a non-refundable Tk5,000 registration fee must be deposited through treasury challan.
Currently, 49 political parties hold EC registration, a prerequisite for contesting national elections. However, proposed election system reforms could make it easier for emerging parties like NCP to gain recognition.
The reforms suggest reducing the threshold to require party offices in only one-tenth of administrative districts and five percent of upazilas or metropolitan precincts, along with a minimum of 5,000 registered supporters nationwide. This would significantly lower the existing requirement of 21 districts and 100 upazilas, easing the path for new political platforms.
The proposed changes also introduce stricter governance requirements, mandating that parties hold regular council sessions and submit reports to the EC within 30 days. Internal elections for leadership positions must be conducted, and any changes in the party’s central committee must be reported to the EC within 10 days.
Additionally, individuals accused of serious human rights violations under the International Crimes Tribunal Act—such as extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, torture, attacks on journalists or rights activists, and money laundering—would be barred from holding party positions. Parties failing to comply with these regulations could face deregistration under the proposed Section 90(J) of the RPO.
