The newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP) has begun finalizing a list of 150 parliamentary candidates across the country as it prepares to enter national politics under the electoral symbol “Shapla Koli,” or water lily bud.
Party officials said several nominees have already received approval to start campaigning, signaling that the NCP, which emerged in the wake of the July 2024 uprising, intends to move swiftly from activism to governance. Three of its top leaders have already begun groundwork in their constituencies.
NCP Convener Nahid Islam said he is considering running in either Dhaka-11 or Dhaka-9. “I grew up in Badda, but I spent part of my childhood in Khilgaon, where many of my relatives still live. So, I could contest from either Dhaka-11 or Dhaka-9. Dhaka-11 is my first choice, but I’ll decide for certain when the election gets closer,” he told reporters.
Joint Convener Tasnim Jara is likely to contest Dhaka-9, while her husband, Khaled Saifullah, a central committee member, is expected to run from Rajbari-1. Party spokesperson Nasiruddin Patwary is set for Dhaka-18, and Chief Organiser of the southern region Hasnat Abdullah has been cleared for Cumilla-4. Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain and northern region organiser Sarjis Alam have been greenlit for Rangpur-4 and Panchagarh-1 respectively.
In the capital and its surrounding districts, several key names stand out. General Secretary SM Shahriar and Joint Member Secretary Arif Sohel are being shortlisted for Dhaka-5 and Dhaka-7. Senior Joint Convener Ariful Islam Adib will likely contest Dhaka-14, while Senior Joint Member Secretary Nahida Sarwar Niva and Jatiya Jubo Shakti Convener Tarikul Islam are both being considered for Dhaka-12.
In Narayanganj, one seat has been reserved for a relative of Farhaan Faiyaz, the teenager killed in the July uprising, symbolizing the party’s effort to honor victims of the pro-democracy movement. Other confirmed candidates include Abdullah Al Alamin in Narayanganj-4 and Shawkat Ali in Narayanganj-5. Joint Convener Sarowar Tushar will contest from Narsingdi-1, and Advocate Ali Naser Khan from Gazipur-4.
From outside Dhaka, notable candidates include Muhammad Hasan Ali in Chattogram-14, Mir Arshadul Haque in Chattogram-16, and SM Suza Uddin in Cox’s Bazar-2. Central Joint Chief Coordinator Navid Nawroz Shah will contest Cumilla-6, while Ataullah is expected to represent Brahmanbaria-3.
In the south, Mahmuda Mitu is set for Barishal-5, Zahirul Islam Musa for Patuakhali-1, Mujahidul Islam Shahin for Patuakhali-2, and Ariful Islam Tuhin for Jhalokathi-1. From Khulna division, Faridul Haque has been confirmed for Khulna-2.
Senior Joint Convener Samantha Sharmeen told The Daily Star, “This is a party of ordinary people. From rickshaw-pullers to garment workers, even those who have never been in politics can contest the polls. Their sacrifices during the July uprising helped free Bangladesh from fascism, and we want people from all walks of life to join us in this election.”
The NCP deserves credit for publishing a detailed slate early in the race, showing an openness uncommon in Bangladeshi politics. It has set a tone of inclusion and grassroots participation that could help reshape a political system long dominated by entrenched elites.
But while the candidate rollout is a strong first step, the NCP must go further. To truly redefine politics in Bangladesh, it needs to build strong local structures, promote internal democracy, and ensure accountability from the start. The July uprising opened a rare window for a clean, people-powered movement. The NCP’s next challenge will be to turn that promise into enduring democratic change.