Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) and a candidate from the Jamaat-led alliance for Dhaka-11, said the electoral understanding with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami will not continue if there is any compromise on women’s or minority rights. He made the remarks in an interview with The Week, published recently.
Responding to questions about concerns over minorities and Jamaat’s ideological position, Nahid said the alliance has not reached a final stage and discussions are ongoing regarding electoral cooperation and post-election arrangements. He said both parties currently have separate manifestos but that shared commitments could be reflected later.
Nahid stated Jamaat has moved away from its previous positions and has said it will not form a government based on its old core ideology. He said Jamaat has spoken about inclusivity and a possible national government, and claimed that if a coalition is formed, it would not lead to a theocratic state but a democratic government. He added that addressing the concerns of women and minorities is part of the NCP’s core inclusive commitments.
He said the NCP is contesting in 30 constituencies under the alliance and described the partnership as primarily electoral, based on seat-sharing, though there is some common ground around post-revolution reforms, anti-corruption, and governance. Nahid also spoke about foreign policy, saying the party wants friendly relations with India but called for an end to border killings, water disputes, and political interference. He said most party members support the alliance decision, though 10–12 members left over disagreements.
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