NCP Rallies at Election Bhaban, Demands EC Reconstitution

Leaders and activists of the National Citizen Party (NCP) have gathered outside the Election Commission (EC) headquarters in Dhaka's Agargaon to demand the immediate reconstitution of the constitutional body and the holding of local government elections.

The protest rally, organised by NCP’s Dhaka Metropolitan chapter, began around 11:45am on Wednesday in front of the Election Bhaban. Around 50 party activists participated in the demonstration.

Masum Billah, an NCP representative from Kalabagan, said: “The current EC is acting in a questionable manner and was formed under an illegitimate law. We demand its reconstitution.”

He also stressed the need for prompt local government elections.

Abu Abdullah, joint secretary of the NCP’s labour wing, added: “We will not accept this EC, which was formed through unlawful means.”

Rehana Akhter Ruma, an NCP representative from Pallabi, said: “We were compelled to stand here today. We want this EC replaced.”

Dr Ishrat Jahan, a representative from the party's Ramna unit, added: “I’m here as a mother. Due to the failure of major parties, we joined the NCP. I condemn this EC. They are clearly backing a major party.”

Calling for a new commission, she said: “Don’t stand in our way. If necessary, we mothers will stage a sit-in demanding the EC’s resignation.”

The NCP’s protest coincided with an ongoing sit-in by BNP leader Ishraque Hossain’s supporters, who are demanding that he be sworn in as mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC).

The protest was announced by NCP Member Secretary Akhter Hossen at an emergency media briefing on Tuesday night.

“We call on the interim government to immediately consider the proposal to reform the Election Commission and take steps to reconstitute it and hold local government elections,” he said.

“To press these demands, the NCP will hold a protest in front of the Election Commission office at 12pm on Wednesday.”

NCP Convenor Nahid Islam added: “The current Election Commission must be restructured to hold fair local elections. It can’t be trusted. They sought the opinion of the Law Ministry regarding the Dhaka South mayoral post but made a decision before receiving any response. What guarantee do we have that they won’t act in a biased manner again?”

SECURITY BEEFED UP

Security measures were ramped up around the EC headquarters ahead of the protest by the NCP.

Around 10:30am, police personnel lined up in front of the Election Bhaban, placing barbed-wire barricades across the road.

Alongside the police, members of the Coast Guard, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and the army have also been deployed in the area.

Speaking about the security arrangements, Ibn Mizan, deputy commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Tejgaon Division, said: “Police and the Armed Police Battalion (APBn) are stationed in front of the EC building, while the army, RAB, and BGB are patrolling the surrounding area.”