‘Action’ if EC allows dual citizens to run: Warns NCP

The National Citizen Party spokesperson Asif Mahmud yesterday warned that NCP would take action if the Election Commission allows loan defaulters or dual citizens to contest the elections.

“The Constitution of Bangladesh clearly states that anyone who acquires foreign citizenship or shows allegiance to another country loses eligibility to contest parliamentary elections,” he said at a press briefing at the NCP’s central office in Banglamotor last night.

Despite this, he claimed that several candidates with dual nationality have approached the EC and acted with impunity. 

“One candidate even brought 200 to 300 people to the commission,” said Asif, also chief of NCP’s election management committee. “If any loan defaulter or person with dual citizenship is made eligible to contest under any conditions or interpretations, we will oppose it,” he said.

“We will continue our legal battle. Candidates who are loan defaulters or hold dual citizenship will not be allowed to contest the election,” he added.

Expressing concern over the electoral process, Asif said the current election appears to be following the pattern of the previous three polls.

“We will not allow this Election Commission to organise a designed, one-sided election like the previous three commissions. NCP will work with alliance partners to resist this,” he said.

He said the final day of the appeal hearing is today and that the party will decide its next steps after observing the commission’s conduct.

“If the commission remains within its mandate and ensures impartiality by adhering to the Representation of the People Order and the Constitution, our cooperation will continue,” he said.”If they make any mistake there and try to push through loan defaulters and dual citizens through bias or loopholes, we will take action against the Election Commission,” he warned.

Asif also alleged that the BNP is violating the Constitution and existing laws ahead of the upcoming national election.

“We clearly see BNP candidates flouting the Constitution and prevailing laws. Yet the BNP portrays itself as a democratic force in various forums, which contradicts its actions,” he said.

“They present themselves as champions of democracy, but their activities reflect the opposite. They are acting against democracy, the Constitution of Bangladesh, and existing laws,” he added.