NCP ready to take challenge to contest all 300 constituencies: Sarjis

The Chief Organizer (Northern Region) of National Nagorik Party (NCP), Sarjis Alam, has announced that his party is prepared to nominate candidates for all 300 parliamentary constituencies in the upcoming national elections. 

Speaking to journalists after Friday's Jumm'ah prayers at Keramatia Mosque in Rangpur, he emphasized that the NCP is accustomed to taking on such challenges despite being a newly formed political party.  

"We will do our best to nominate honest, capable, and patriotic candidates. Previously, politics was about buying nominations with money and winning elections through rigging. But those days are over. This time, the people will reclaim their voting rights, and we will go to Parliament as their legitimate representatives," Sarjis Alam said.  

Discussing the party’s organizational expansion, he mentioned that his team plans to visit 32 districts in northern Bangladesh. "For over a decade, politics has not been for the common people. We will reach out to them in every field, alley, and village to share our vision for Bangladesh. We still remember the lifeless bodies of July and August. If we keep those memories alive, we will never deviate from the spirit of July 2024. If we work for the people, they will elect us to Parliament," he asserted.  

When asked about the party’s structure, Sarjis Alam confirmed that organizational activities had officially begun, with district and upazila committees expected to be formed within a week. "By April, we will have committees at every district and upazila level. We have numerous supporters across the country, especially young leaders who have played a crucial role in national movements. They are fully capable of leading at the grassroots level," he said.  

He further stated that while the party's leadership would be youth-driven, experienced senior members would also play key roles. "Leadership will be based on merit, credibility, and honesty. We need the courage and determination of young leaders, but we also value the wisdom and guidance of our senior members. Together, we will move forward as a united force," he added.  

On foreign relations, Sarjis Alam emphasized the importance of mutual respect and equality in diplomatic ties. "The European Union consists of 28-29 countries that collaborate while maintaining their sovereignty. Similarly, Bangladesh's relationships with India, China, the US, and Russia should be based on respect and equality. Over the past decade, we have felt a sense of dominance in regional affairs, but we will not tolerate any more intimidation. We believe in maintaining respectful bilateral ties with all nations," he stated.  

Addressing economic concerns, he criticized the past 16 years of budget allocations, claiming they were regionally biased. "Most of the national budget has been allocated to the southern region, while the north has been neglected. This is despite the fact that northern Bangladesh produces a significant portion of the country's crops and essential goods. We expect the interim government to allocate a fair share of the budget to northern regions. Inequality and injustice cannot sustain a government indefinitely—Sheikh Hasina's tenure is proof of that," he remarked.  

The press conference was attended by key figures from the anti-discrimination student movement, including Imran Ahmed, convenor of the Rangpur district committee, Imtiaz Imti, convenor of the metropolitan committee, and Rahmat Ali, secretary of the committee, along with other party activists.