Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and candidate of the 11-party alliance for Dhaka-11, delivered a televised address on Sunday evening urging citizens to vote early on February 12. He called on voters to protect their rights and participate in what he described as a continuation of the July uprising. Islam pledged that no one would be able to take away the people’s voting rights and promised a new Bangladesh after the election.

In his speech, Islam outlined the alliance’s reform agenda, including building a corruption-free, equitable, and independent state. He said the NCP’s ‘Shapla Koli’ symbol would represent 30 candidates nationwide and asked voters to support the alliance for change. He emphasized justice for victims of past violence, restructuring of the police and judiciary, and economic reforms to recover looted assets. Islam also proposed environmental taxes, a blue economy centered on the Bay of Bengal, and a modern defense system with mandatory youth training.

He concluded by urging youth participation and asserting that a fair election on February 12 was essential to uphold the gains of the August 5 revolution and ensure lasting democratic reform.