Tasnim Zara, former leader of the National Citizens Party (NCP), has clarified why she left the party ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Speaking at a dialogue organized by the Citizens Platform on Tuesday, she said her decision to run as an independent candidate for the Dhaka-9 constituency stemmed from a desire to change the old political structure. Zara had earlier announced her independent candidacy on December 27.

She explained that the country’s existing system suffers from a weak accountability framework and widespread complexity, where individuals are accountable to their own appointers. Zara emphasized the need to continue discussions on long-promised reforms and to ensure accountability among those in power. She added that citizens now seek change and are no longer willing to accept outdated political arrangements.

Her remarks come amid ongoing public debate over her departure from the NCP, highlighting broader concerns about governance and the demand for structural reform in national politics.