NCP vows street protests if dual citizens are allowed to run for parliament

Asif Mahmud says the party will “under no circumstances” allow a credible election to be undermined

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has warned it will take to the streets if dual citizens are allowed to contest in the parliamentary polls.

Labelling Sunday, the final day of the EC’s appeal hearings, as a “red line”, NCP cautioned that any attempt to let dual citizens or loan defaulters slip through legal loopholes will face both legal and street-level resistance.

Speaking at a Saturday evening press conference in Banglamotor, NCP Election Committee chief Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain urged the commission to take its time and ensure a properly conducted vote, rather than rushing the process.

Recalling earlier threats to protest, the former student advisor to the interim government said: “We have demanded the reconstitution of the Election Commission.

“If necessary, we will take to the streets again. Under no circumstances will we allow the holding of a compromised election. Conducting a credible poll remains our top priority.”

“We have seen it, many dual citizens are storming the Election Commission despite holding foreign nationality. One by one, they come with 200–300 supporters, and hundreds of lawyers, to pressure the Election Commission,” said Asif Mahmud.

“The Election Commission is also trying to pass such candidates in different ways,” he added. “I can see a tendency within the commission to legitimise these candidates through arguments and loopholes, which is an ominous sign for our country, our Constitution, our election system, and above all, for the people.”

He also criticised BNP leaders contesting in the polls.

“BNP has long claimed to be the carrier and torchbearer of democracy, but they are turning 180 degrees against democracy and the Constitution.”

“The looter class, which has accumulated properties and mountains of wealth abroad, are scheming to participate in elections as representatives again,” he said.

“We have already seen the commission’s one-sided approach during candidate vetting.”

Asif also stressed the importance of a credible election: “We will not allow the Election Commission to organise another flawed or pre-set election like previous commissions.

“We are Bangladesh’s citizens, not foreigners. No foreigner has the right to participate in our elections. As a rising political force and leadership of the July Uprising, we will not give them that opportunity,” he said.