‘Policy over past identity,’ says Nahid on NCP membership

Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam has said that a prospective member’s former political affiliation is not a determining factor for joining the party, but drew a firm line against anyone linked to fascism, mass killings, corruption, or extortion.

“It does not matter to us what someone’s past identity is ” whether they came from Chhatra Dal, Chhatra Shibir, Chhatra Adhikar Parishad, or even Chhatra League. Their previous affiliation is not our primary concern,” Nahid said at an emergency press conference held at the NCP’s central office in Dhaka on Sunday.

However, he made clear that individuals who participated in or supported fascism or mass killings, or those facing allegations of extortion or corruption, would not be permitted to join the party. Anyone who joins NCP, he added, will be expected to work solely as a member and leader of the party, setting aside all prior associations.

“We want to move forward together, keeping in mind the aspirations of the July mass uprising, with those who embrace the politics NCP seeks to establish ” a discrimination-free, democratic Bangladesh,” he said.

Turning to the recent fuel price hike, Nahid accused the government of staging what he called a manufactured crisis. “The government orchestrated a drama over the fuel shortage. They raised prices while claiming there was no crisis. It was entirely a planned move, driven by syndicate influence,” he alleged.

The NCP convener also charged that constitutional institutions in the country have been subjected to partisan capture, and warned that a return to the previous political order was no longer an option.

He additionally condemned the arrest of an individual over the publication of a satirical cartoon, describing it as a direct assault on freedom of expression.

The press conference also marked the formal induction of several leaders from AB Party and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement into the NCP’s ranks.

Nahid further announced that NCP has decided to align with UP Bangladesh, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, and AB Party, describing broader unity as essential in the current political climate.