National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam has issued a sharp warning against the ongoing corruption and extortion he claims are widespread in Bangladesh. Speaking at a public rally in Jashore on Friday, he predicted a mass uprising unless immediate action is taken to hold former political leaders accountable and implement recommended reforms.
“Mark my words. There will be another uprising—one that targets corruption and extortion,” Nahid said. “We must win this movement just as we did in July.”
His comments come as the chief adviser to the interim government has ordered election authorities to complete preparations by December. The national vote is expected to be held a week before Ramadan in February 2026.
Nahid, who once served as an adviser to an earlier interim government, dismissed claims that the NCP is anti-election. He said the party supports democratic processes but believes the timing is wrong. “First, bring justice to those who supported the fascist regime. Implement the reform agenda. Then hold elections.”
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He rejected any proposal for polls without accountability. “We, the people, will not accept any election unless trials are held and reform commission recommendations are implemented. Those pushing for a rushed vote are only protecting their own interests.”
Turning his attention to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Nahid questioned their claims of mass public support. “BNP says they have crores of supporters. But we all saw what happened in July. You don’t need a billion people to challenge corruption. Sometimes one person is enough.”
He accused both the BNP and the Awami League of dismantling democratic institutions through decades of political favoritism. “No government so far has spared our democracy. And Sheikh Hasina’s government was no different over the last 16 years.”
The NCP leader stressed that future political practices must break from the past. He said security forces must serve the public, not political parties. “The police must protect people’s lives and property. The Army’s role is to defend sovereignty, not to participate in anything like enforced disappearances.”
What Nahid said is what a lot of people are feeling as the election gets closer. There’s a growing clamor to hold people responsible and fix a broken system, and he’s one of the few political figures admitting that just showing up to vote won’t solve the crisis of trust.
Friday’s rally made it clear: no matter what happens next, the real fight in 2026 will be over who controls the terms of democracy itself.
