As debate continues over whether national or local elections should be prioritised, politically engaged parties are increasingly vocal in their efforts to secure electoral participation.
Among them, the newly established National Citizens' Party (NCP), led by young activists from the July Movement, has swiftly moved to complete its registration.
Simultaneously, discussions on easing the registration criteria for political parties have gained traction, with the Election Commission showing indications of alignment with proposed reforms.
A recent media report published on Wednesday highlighted the NCP’s accelerated drive for official recognition, merely six days after its public launch.
On Tuesday, following a tribute at the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar, NCP Convenor Nahid Islam addressed journalists, affirming the party’s commitment to meeting all necessary conditions for registration.
He asserted that forming a new Bangladesh within the framework of the existing constitution and governance structure was unfeasible, advocating instead for a Constituent Assembly election to restore genuine democratic processes.
“Our immediate goal is to expand our organisational reach,” Nahid stated.
“We are rapidly fulfilling the criteria for registration and expect to initiate work on our party constitution within this month.”
He further underscored the necessity of a "Second Republic", arguing that mere regime change would not ensure the well-being of the populace or establish authentic democracy.
“Retaining the existing constitution and governance structure will not facilitate the creation of a new Bangladesh. True reform requires more than just a change in government,” he emphasised.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission is deliberating on whether to invite applications for party registration ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections.
Officials have noted that issuing a public notice for applications is not a legal obligation, and many parties have already submitted their documents.
Several previously unregistered parties have also requested reconsideration of their applications submitted under the former commission.
Political parties seeking registration have been informed by the current commission that fresh applications must be submitted.
Reports indicate that at least 29 parties are preparing new applications, with 13 already filed and several others engaging with the relevant EC departments.
However, the commission remains cautious, awaiting potential legislative reforms before proceeding.
Should no legal amendments be enacted, registration will proceed under the existing framework.
Some parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, maintain that formal registration is not a prerequisite for electoral participation.
On 13 February, following a meeting with the Election Commission, Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Ghulam Parwar told reporters, “We believe elections should proceed as they did before 2008, without mandatory party registration.”
Despite such perspectives, indications suggest that the commission may adopt the proposed reforms to ease registration requirements, potentially reshaping the political landscape ahead of the elections.
