In a blistering critique of populist electioneering, Nahid Islam, the Convenor of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) and the 10-party alliance’s nominee for Dhaka-11, has declared that the Bangladeshi electorate is weary of material bribes. Speaking as a special guest at a major rally in Dhaka-15 on Thursday, Nahid asserted that citizens are prioritising a secure and dignified life over the “family cards” and “flats” promised by mainstream political heavyweights.
Table of Contents
Debunking the ‘Family Card’ Scheme
Addressing a crowd gathered in support of Dr Shafiqur Rahman, the Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami and alliance candidate for Dhaka-15, Nahid directed his ire toward the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) welfare proposals.
“The BNP speaks of distributing Family Cards worth 2,000 to 3,000 taka, but who will truly receive them?” he asked rhetorically. “Will the needy get them, or will they be forced to pay a 1,000-taka bribe simply to access a 2,000-taka benefit?” He further alleged that the nomination of “notorious loan defaulters” by major parties reveals a hidden agenda to resume the “looting of public wealth” once in power.
Political Priorities: A Comparative Overview
| Issue | Mainstream Party Pledges | NCP & Alliance Stance |
| Poverty Relief | Monthly ‘Family Cards’ (Cash aid) | Warns of corruption and ‘middleman’ fees |
| Urban Housing | High-rise flats for slum dwellers | Demands safety and end to forced evictions |
| Candidates | Wealthy industrialists & defaulters | Calls for clean, non-corrupt leadership |
| Election Goal | Partisan Power Shift | ‘Insaf’ (Justice) and Anti-Fascism |
Security Over Symbolic Housing
Nahid was particularly vocal regarding the promise made by Tarique Rahman to provide flats for the urban poor. He argued that slum dwellers have learned from bitter experience that such promises are often a prelude to displacement.
“Slum dwellers do not want distant flats; they want a safe life where they are. In the past, those who promised housing were the very ones who orchestrated evictions after the vote,” Nahid stated. He insisted that the marginalised “underclass” would vote based on national interests and justice rather than “fanciful, false assurances.”
The 2026 Referendum: A Turning Point
The NCP leader reminded the audience that the 13th National Parliamentary Election coincides with a critical National Referendum. He framed the ‘Yes’ vote as a final blow to the culture of extortion and hegemony that has plagued the nation.
“We must fight against the resurgence of fascism and the ‘Chanda’ (extortion) culture. Our movement’s goals have been partially frustrated, but by voting ‘Yes’ in the referendum, we will turn our struggle into a celebration of total victory,” he proclaimed.
Stern Advice for the Election Commission
Nahid concluded by issuing a clear ultimatum to the Election Commission. He warned that the 10-party alliance is maintaining a vigilant presence across the country to prevent any “special favours” from being granted to specific parties. “The EC must remain transparent. No alternative ‘plans’ will work. We are in the field, and we will not tolerate a single act of injustice,” he warned.