Bid to stage 2008‑style polls will fail: Nahid

National Citizen Party Convener Nahid Islam has cautioned that any bid to stage a national election resembling the 2008 polls would fail, insisting that the upcoming election must be conducted in line with the 1991 model.

Speaking at a press conference after meeting the chief adviser at Jamuna yesterday, Nahid said his party would not allow an “engineered” election.

“There is no doubt about the election if a fair environment is ensured. But if there is a plan to engineer it, such a plan will fail and be resisted.

“We want to contest the election in the field, but the Election Commission should not force us onto the streets.”

Nahid alleged that under pressure from the BNP, the EC has legitimised dual citizenship holders and loan defaulters without taking action against them.

Referring to show‑cause notices issued to him and NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, he questioned the EC’s consistency.

He claimed that when BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh, Dhaka city and areas across the country, including Gulshan and his constituency Dhaka‑17, were plastered with posters bearing his image. “Will action be taken against them?” Nahid asked.

On Sunday, the Election Commission served show‑cause notices to NCP Convener Nahid Islam and Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, contesting from Dhaka‑11 and Dhaka‑9 respectively, over alleged violations of the electoral code of conduct.

He said that during his referendum campaign, he used only his image without party symbols. “Yet the EC served us show‑cause notices, indicating it has taken a stand against the referendum and discouraged campaigning,” he alleged.

Nahid further accused BNP leaders of exploiting the death of former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia to campaign under the guise of mourning meetings and blanket distribution, while the EC “looked the other way”.

“If there is a plan to make the election unfair, occupy polling stations, politicise the administration, or pressure the Election Commission, the people will not accept it. The youth of Bangladesh will not accept it,” he warned.

Nahid said they expected the Election Commission not to bow to pressure from any party or force, warning that if it did, they would be compelled to take a stand against such actions.

Earlier on Monday evening, a four‑member NCP delegation led by Nahid Islam met Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. The delegation, which included NCP Central Election Steering Committee Chairman Asif Mahmud, Secretary Monira Sharmin, and Legal Assistance Subcommittee Head Zahirul Islam Musa, shared their observations and concerns regarding the election process.