We do not want Awami League to participate in elections: Nahid Islam

In a recent interview with The Diplomat, National Citizens‍‍` Party (NCP) leader Nahid Islam shared his firm stance against the participation of the Awami League in future elections, following the overthrow of the party by the July uprising.

Islam, who previously served as the information adviser to the interim government, emphasized the need for accountability for those within the Awami League responsible for injustice.

Islam’s comments come after his appointment as the head of NCP last month, a party formed by leaders of the July uprising. 

When asked about the Awami League’s involvement in upcoming elections, Islam didn’t hesitate to answer: 

“No, we don’t want the Awami League to participate in the elections. Those within the party who are responsible for injustices must face trial.”

Reflecting on his experiences within the interim government, Islam stated, 

“Experiencing government from the inside and outside is a completely different experience. When the interim government took office, it was a particularly challenging time for Bangladesh. It was an intense and difficult experience for me.” He added, “I resigned and, in response to the demand of the time, entered mainstream politics. Now, I can use this experience to guide my future political journey, especially when the road ahead is tough. Forming a political party is a new challenge for me, but I am ready to overcome it.”

During the interview, Islam highlighted some of the reforms he initiated during his brief time in the interim government. 

He mentioned, “We corrected the internet infrastructure levels, created a roadmap for reforms in the ICT division, and resolved various censorship laws to ensure better information flow.” 

Islam is confident that although the full impact of these reforms may not be visible immediately, they will bring long-term benefits to the country.

Addressing NCP’s vision and political ideology, Islam made it clear that his party is centrist, aiming to provide a platform for new voices, particularly those from younger generations and marginalized social classes. 

“The NCP is a centrist political party, and we are committed to maintaining this ideology,” he explained. 

“Our goal is to create a space for new voices, especially for young people and individuals from all social classes, who have been excluded from traditional politics for years.”

One of the central goals of the NCP, according to Islam, is the creation of a "Second Republic" through the establishment of a National Assembly. 

He emphasized that the party is focused on introducing a new constitution to restructure the country’s power dynamics, and that elections are not an immediate priority.

Regarding allegations that the NCP is a “King’s Party” benefiting from special privileges from the government, Islam strongly denied the claim.

He stated, “If NCP were a King‍‍`s Party, I would have remained in the government. I could have used my position and worked from within. We are not receiving any special privileges from the government.”

Islam also responded to questions about the NCP’s relationship with Jamaat-e-Islami, stressing that despite both BNP and Jamaat‍‍`s demands for justice for the Awami League, NCP is distinct from Jamaat. 

“Does that mean we are the same or close to each other? Absolutely not. If we were, we would have formed a coalition. NCP and Jamaat are completely different parties with different agendas. We have no ties to Jamaat,” he said. 

He also dismissed accusations that the NCP was relying on extremism, calling it a false narrative.

When asked about the timeline for the next general elections, Islam indicated that his party‍‍`s focus is on bringing those responsible for the previous government’s failures to justice, ensuring law and order, and introducing constitutional reforms. 

“Elections are not our immediate priority,” he stated. 

“We are not setting a specific deadline for elections at this moment.”

Islam acknowledged that his party faces challenges, particularly with established political parties dominating the political scene in Bangladesh.

He noted, “Bangladesh already has many well-established political parties, which makes it tough for us to compete with them, especially with limited time before elections. Although the exact date is uncertain, interim government’s chief adviser Muhammad Yunus has indicated that elections could be held by the end of 2025 or mid-2026.”

Islam also emphasized that reaching grassroots levels is a significant challenge. 

“We are planning to start our campaign outside Dhaka next month,” he explained. 

“Furthermore, it’s a tough time for the country, so we must focus on pressuring the government to meet the people’s demands through active participation.”

The NCP leader also stressed the party’s commitment to equality, including providing opportunities for students from private universities.

“Yes. Students from private universities are also showing increased interest in politics. They played a key role in the uprising. Our party provides equal opportunities and responsibilities for everyone, ensuring an inclusive political space for all,” he said.

On the issue of women’s rights, Islam expressed disappointment over the rising violence against women, despite their significant role in the July Uprising. 

He said, “It is truly disheartening that violence against women has risen. Beyond that, deeply rooted social issues have kept women from participating in various aspects of society. Amid political vacuum, disorder has increased in Bangladesh. The fall of the police force on August 5th weakened law enforcement agencies, creating a situation where such violence continues unchecked.” 

Islam emphasized that both he and his party are ready to collaborate with the government to address these legal issues and work toward ending violence against women.

In summary, Nahid Islam‍‍`s leadership and vision for the NCP is grounded in justice, political reform, and the creation of a new political space in Bangladesh. 

The NCP‍‍`s goal to challenge established political structures and pursue long-term reforms reflects a bold and dynamic approach to addressing the nation’s challenges.