Nahid Islam first came into the spotlight during the 2024 protests against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Riding that momentum, he later launched the National Citizens Party (NCP) and joined hands with the Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance for the February 12 general election.
The results, however, were far from encouraging for the NCP. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a sweeping mandate, winning 212 of the 297 declared seats — enough for a two-thirds majority in the Jatiya Sangsad. Jamaat won 68 seats, while the NCP managed just six. The Awami League was barred from contesting by the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.
Allegations after the verdict
In the aftermath of the defeat, Nahid Islam alleged there was a tacit understanding between the BNP, India and the Awami League. Speaking at a press conference at the NCP’s temporary office in Dhaka’s Banglamotors area, he claimed that recent political developments pointed towards coordination among the three.
He referred to reports that Awami League offices had reopened in several districts soon after the election results. According to Bangladeshi media outlets, party activists resumed activities in places such as Noakhali, Thakurgaon and Chattogram between February 13 and 18.
Nahid argued that such moves could not have happened without the knowledge — or approval — of the new BNP government. “Without a green signal, they would not have had the courage,” he was quoted as saying.
Claims of foreign involvement
Taking his allegations a step further, Nahid suggested there may have been foreign influence in the electoral outcome. He said the NCP suspected a broader understanding involving India, the Awami League and the BNP.
At the same time, he maintained that the voting process itself was conducted fairly, but claimed that the results were manipulated. “We accepted the outcome in the interest of democracy and stability,” he said.
Reform debate resurfaces
The controversy comes against the backdrop of a referendum held alongside the general election on the so-called July Charter. Voters approved proposals granting Parliament the additional role of a Constituent Assembly to amend the Constitution and reform democratic institutions — a move aimed at curbing excessive prime ministerial powers after years of criticism directed at the Hasina government.
Nahid urged the BNP to quickly convene Parliament and begin the work of the Constitutional Reform Council, arguing that delays would amount to misleading voters. Notably, BNP lawmakers abstained from taking oath as members of the Council, while elected Jamaat and NCP representatives did so.
When asked about a writ petition challenging the referendum in the High Court, Nahid said cancelling it would cast doubt on the legitimacy of both the election and the new government.
For now, the NCP’s sharp allegations appear tied to its poor electoral showing. With just six seats in the new Parliament, the party faces the challenge of staying politically relevant while pressing for constitutional reforms.