The National Citizens Party (NCP) has announced that it is reconsidering its participation in the upcoming national election, alleging that the Election Commission (EC) is biased in favor of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). NCP spokesperson and central election committee chairman Asif Mahmud made the statement on Sunday at a press conference held at the party’s temporary central office in Banglamotor, Dhaka.

Mahmud accused the EC of partiality on several issues, including the validation of nominations for dual citizens and loan defaulters. He said the NCP lacks confidence in the commission’s ability to hold a free and fair election. The party will make a collective decision after discussions within its ten-party electoral alliance. Mahmud also mentioned that the NCP is preparing to take to the streets after consulting with allied parties.

He further alleged that during appeal hearings on candidate eligibility, election commissioners met with BNP leaders and issued rulings that violated the Representation of the People Order and the constitution. Other NCP officials, including Monira Sharmin and Zahirul Islam, were present at the briefing.