Senior Joint Convenor of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) Samantha Sharmin has said that the legal foundation of the July Charter must be established through its implementation order.
“There is no alternative to this for resolving the current political crisis. To ensure a fair election in February, the government must issue the order without delay,” she said this in an interview with Bangladesh Pratidin on Wednesday..
Sharmin also said the NCP expects to set a record for the highest number of nomination paper sales in the upcoming general election.
The complete interview is presented:
Bangladesh Pratidin: The National Citizens’ Party (NCP) was formed by the July revolutionaries and is only eight months old. With the toughest election in Bangladesh’s history approaching, what do you see as the party’s prospects and potential challenges?
Samantha Sharmin: After 5 August, our greatest aspiration for the state was the abolition of the fascist system. With that reform commitment, young leaders launched the political journey in February.
At the Consensus Commission, NCP signed with maximum determination.
We have already announced a 24-point manifesto for the future of Bangladesh. Young politicians will give a strong fight on behalf of NCP in this election. Our party faces no internal crises.
However, we are concerned about the lack of a level playing field and the inadequate capability of law enforcement agencies.
Bangladesh Pratidin: The interim government believes it has enough capacity to maintain law and order during the election. Why do you feel otherwise?
Samantha Sharmin: No, the interim government has not acquired sufficient capacity. Recently, we observed widespread lawlessness following a party’s candidate list announcement.
Law enforcement agencies failed to address it. There was no prior intelligence or proactive action to prevent such chaos. Therefore, I do not believe the government is prepared to manage law and order during the polls.
Political groupings and the resulting violence could endanger ordinary citizens and voters, and I doubt the interim government can protect them.
Bangladesh Pratidin: Disagreement over the implementation of the July Charter has become a major obstacle. What is the solution?
Samantha Sharmin: All parties must agree that the legal foundation of the July Charter lies in its implementation order.
The interim government, led by Dr. Yunus, must issue this order using executive authority. No “note of dissent” should be allowed. There is no alternative solution.
If there were, we would be eager to hear it, but none exists. For the sake of a fair election, the July Charter must be implemented through this order. To avoid disrupting the February polls, the order must be issued immediately.
Bangladesh Pratidin: Have you announced the open nomination forms? What is the latest update and response?
Samantha Sharmin: The response has been overwhelming. Forty-eight forms were completed online in a single day. Another ten were collected directly from the office. We expect record numbers of nomination forms to be sold. NCP aims to send genuine representatives of the people to Parliament this time.
Bangladesh Pratidin: Election processes in Bangladesh are highly expensive. Since NCP is contesting for the first time, how will you manage campaign funding?
Samantha Sharmin: We want to set an example of a transparent and corruption-free election. Our central election committee will explain these measures in detail in stages. We will raise party funds in two ways. First, we will use crowdfunding to support the party’s campaign. Second, supporters can contribute directly to the election campaign of their preferred candidates.
Bangladesh Pratidin: What is NCP’s latest thinking on electoral alliances?
Samantha Sharmin: We prefer to contest the election independently rather than in a coalition. We are preparing our candidate list accordingly. If we do join an alliance, it will only be with reform-oriented and progressive parties.
