NCP stages protest at EC office, demands reconstitution of commission

Around 200 leaders and activists of the National Citizens' Party (NCP) staged a demonstration in front of the Election Commission (EC) headquarters in Agargaon today, demanding the reconstitution of the commission and the holding of local government elections ahead of the national polls.

The protest, organised by the party's Dhaka Metropolitan Committee, commenced at 12:00pm as part of a scheduled programme.

By around 1:24pm, a section of the rally advanced towards the main gate of the EC, with demonstrators attempting to enter the premises whilst chanting slogans such as "Local government elections needed now" and "Abu Sayed, Mughda, your war is not over yet".

Coast Guard personnel were seen stationed at the entrance.

Throughout the demonstration, NCP leaders from various police station units under Dhaka metropolitan addressed the gathering via loudspeakers, reiterating their two key demands.

"We have gathered here today to demand local government elections and the reconstitution of the Election Commission," said NCP Joint Convenor Sarwar Tushar.

"These demands are mainly directed at the interim government. But for some time now, we've seen the EC is behaving in a biased manner. That's why we are protesting," he added.

Approximately 20 to 25 rickshaw-pullers also joined the protest in solidarity, arriving at the scene with their vehicles.

Saiful Islam, NCP representative under Mirpur Model Police Station area, said, "The commission's controversial decision has prompted us to demand its resignation. The lack of public representatives at the local level is disrupting essential citizen services. Local elections are urgently needed to reduce public suffering," he said.

Nur Islam Jewel, from NCP's Gulshan Police Station unit, accused major political parties of monopolising power.

"One party has looted the country for 17 years, and now another dreams of taking power overnight. We have sparked a revolution. We demand a new constitution and want local government elections through that new framework. No other election will be accepted before that," he said.

Earlier today, inside the EC building, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin chaired a meeting at 10:30am. The agenda included finalising the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates 2025, the Polling Station Establishment and Management Policy 2025 for the upcoming parliamentary elections, and related guidelines for local government polls.