National Citizen Party (NCP) leaders on Sunday said that the February 12 polls would be a decisive referendum on the future of Bangladesh, declaring that the era of political heavyweights is coming to an end even as they alleged administrative bias and the absence of a level playing field ahead of the 13th National Parliament elections.
Campaigning in their respective constituencies, NCP leaders described the election as a watershed moment that would determine the country's political direction, governance culture and accountability framework.
Dhaka-11 constituency candidate and party convener Nahid Islam said, "This time's elections will determine the future and fate of Bangladesh. So, whoever you vote for, consider it." Complaining of systemic imbalance in the electoral environment, he warned voters against inducements and coercion. "Voters should be careful not to vote under any temptation, advantage or false assurance. Vote for a qualified candidate after thinking, who is truly capable of bringing about change in the area and the country."
Nahid Islam asserted that the ballot would mark the end of what he termed the politics of extortion, terrorism and illegal occupation. "One party is trying to intimidate its workers and supporters. However, these attempts are not succeeding. The last day of extortionists, terrorists and usurpers will be on February 12," he said, while outlining local development challenges and pledging effective initiatives if elected. He also claimed that public response on the ground reflected a growing appetite for change.
Echoing similar sentiments in Panchagarh-1, NCP chief organizer for the northern region Sarjis Alam said the long standing dominance of established political figures would collapse at the ballot box. Addressing voters during mass contacts and yard meetings in Amarkhana Union on the fourth day of campaigning, he told journalists, "The thought or concept of the heavyweights predetermined in this February 12 election will no longer survive in this Bangladesh. The big so called heavyweight leaders of various big political parties who were there will see their landslide fall this time, InshaAllah."
Sarjis Alam said the momentum of what he termed a people's revolution had reached households across the country. "We are seeing a change among the people. People are just waiting for 12th February. Every person will vote against oppression. Every person will vote against those who have committed extortion, occupation and abuse of power by threats and intimidation and lawsuits."
He accused entrenched political actors of reversing victimhood narratives. "Those who have oppressed for a year and three months are now trying to punish the angels. People will recognize such chameleon like people well. But you will see in the vote that people will listen to many people but will vote according to their place."
Meanwhile, NCP candidate for Dhaka-8 Nasiruddin Patwari alleged selective enforcement by the administration, claiming that electoral laws were being applied unevenly. Speaking during his campaign at AGB Colony Bazar in Motijheel, he said a level playing field is yet to be ensured. Referring to the BNP, he added, "The administration does not notice major irregularities of one party. However, action is being taken against others even for minor issues."
He later held mass meetings in AGB Colony, Motijheel Model School and AGB Colony Hospital areas, reiterating his demand for impartial oversight and equal political space for all contenders.
As campaigning intensifies ahead of February 12, NCP leaders continue to frame the election as a decisive legal and political mandate against coercive politics, warning that the credibility of democratic institutions now rests on whether voters can exercise their franchise freely and without fear.
