The National Citizen Party (NCP) has conveyed its concerns to Chief Adviser of the interim government Professor Muhammad Yunus over whether the current Election Commission will be able to conduct a free and fair election.

During a meeting at the Chief Adviser’s official residence Jamuna on Monday evening, NCP leaders said that neutrality from both the Election Commission and the administration is not being reflected at the grassroots level. They warned that if the election fails to meet standards of fairness and impartiality, responsibility would rest with the interim government and Professor Yunus himself.

The nearly 50-minute meeting was attended by NCP Convener Nahid Islam, Central Election Management Committee Chair Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, committee secretary Monira Sharmin, and legal affairs subcommittee head Zahirlul Islam. Representing the government were Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant on Posts, Telecommunications and ICT, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Nahid Islam said the party had raised issues related to recent developments that are casting doubt on the credibility of the upcoming election and current political environment. He alleged that the Election Commission’s conduct appears biased in the field and warned that such behavior could influence the electoral outcome and deepen public mistrust.

Nahid also accused the Election Commission of allowing dual citizens and loan defaulters to contest the election under pressure from the BNP. He claimed BNP leaders and its student wing created pressure by staging protests in front of the Election Commission, and that senior BNP figures attempted to influence decisions even before appeal verdicts were formally delivered.

He noted that candidates from Jamaat also include dual citizens, stressing that the issue is not limited to any single party. NCP, he said, wants the law to be applied equally to all candidates without discrimination.

The NCP leader said the party plans to return to the Election Commission and, if necessary, take legal action, as new information has emerged suggesting that some candidates concealed their dual citizenship status. He reiterated that NCP does not want dual citizens or loan defaulters to participate in the election.

Nahid Islam said there would be no doubts about the election if a genuinely fair environment is ensured. However, he warned that any attempt to stage a “managed” election would be resisted and would not succeed. He added that this election must resemble the inclusive polls of 1991, not those of 2008.

He also questioned BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman’s stated “plan,” asking whether pressuring constitutional bodies like the Election Commission forms part of that agenda. Nahid said public concern is growing over whether efforts to influence the media, pressure the administration, tilt the electoral process, or facilitate the participation of ineligible candidates are part of that plan. He urged Tarique Rahman to clarify his intentions openly before the public.

Addressing show-cause notices issued to NCP candidates Nahid Islam (Dhaka-11) and Nasiruddin Patwary (Dhaka-8) for alleged code of conduct violations, Nahid said similar action should be taken against others if displaying photographs is indeed a violation. He pointed out that images of Tarique Rahman are visible across Dhaka and nationwide.

NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan earlier described the show-cause notices as irregular, politically motivated, and intended to create a media trial. He demanded their immediate withdrawal and questioned why similar measures were not taken against other candidates.

In a statement issued later in the evening, the Chief Adviser’s press wing said NCP leaders had shared their observations and concerns regarding the election and called for ensuring a level playing field for all parties. Professor Yunus urged them to report any complaints or suggestions promptly, assuring that the government would take appropriate action to prevent violations of the law.

Professor Yunus emphasized that there is no room for bias in this election, describing it as a decisive vote for the country’s future. He said the election must be fair and credible, and added that ensuring a peaceful, festive, and transparent electoral process is a shared responsibility of the government, the Election Commission, political parties, and all stakeholders.