The youth-led National Citizen Party (NCP) has gone fully election-oriented following the Election Commission’s confirmation of its registration and the “Shapla Kali” (water lily bud) symbol.
Candidate selection is underway for all 300 constituencies, with a shortlist of nominees for 150 seats already finalized.
The final list for several key constituencies is expected to be published later this week.
Party leaders say the NCP has also taken a policy decision not to contest BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s constituency, calling it a gesture of respect toward her political legacy.
Candidate selection
The NCP’s 10-member election management committee, headed by Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary and Senior Joint Member Secretary Dr Tasnim Jara, has begun vetting candidates’ backgrounds.
According to Senior Joint Convener Ariful Islam Adib, 150 constituencies have confirmed nominees, while the remaining 150 will be announced in phases.
Adib said priority is being given to “individuals who have remained committed to democratic movements, are free from corruption and political baggage, and have shown long-term dedication to the party’s goals.”
Several senior NCP figures are preparing to contest key constituencies.
Party Convener Nahid Islam is expected to run from Dhaka-11 (Rampura–Badda–Banasree), while Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain will stand in Rangpur-4 (Pirgachha–Kaunia).
Nasiruddin Patwary will contest from Dhaka-18, Abdul Hannan Masud from Noakhali-6 (Hatia), and Hasnat Abdullah from Comilla-4 (Debidwar).
Sarjis Alam is in the race for Panchagarh-1. Ariful Islam Adib is contesting from Dhaka-14 (Mirpur–Savar), and Dr Tasnim Zara from Dhaka-9 (Khilgaon–Sabujbagh).
Saif Mostafiz is running from Sirajganj-6 (Shahzadpur), while Joynal Abedin Shishir is contesting from Comilla-10 (Nangalkot, Lalmai).
Election strategy
Though the NCP will enter national elections for the first time, it remains undecided on whether to contest independently or as part of an alliance.
Joint Convener Javed Rasin said informal talks are ongoing with BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and several smaller parties.
“We are exploring all equations carefully. A final decision on alliances will come soon,” he said.
Party leaders say they are preparing for both possibilities, maintaining individual candidates in every constituency while remaining open to coalition adjustments if talks progress.
As a new party, the NCP is setting up a crowdfunding initiative to finance its campaign, inviting contributions from supporters in Bangladesh and abroad.
“We will ensure full compliance with Election Commission regulations,” said Joint Convener Sarwar Tushar, noting that public donations will be transparently managed.
Political analyst Masud Kamal said the party’s emergence brings youthful energy but questioned its organizational depth.
“The NCP has articulate young leaders, but their actions have not yet matched their rhetoric,” he said.
“Even with an alliance, their symbol ‘Shapla Kali’ is still unfamiliar to voters. It may take time before they become a real electoral force.”
Despite such skepticism, NCP leaders remain upbeat.
“We have boarded the election train,” said Sarwar Tushar.
“This is the youth’s chance to build a new Bangladesh.”
