Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam on Saturday warned that the upcoming national election could be affected if the government continues to be biased toward a particular political party, raising concerns over fairness and a level playing field.

He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after a meeting with a delegation of election observers led by European Union (EU) Chief Election Observer Ivars Ijabs.

Senior NCP leaders, including party spokesperson Asif Mahmud and head of the international relations cell Sultan Muhammad Zakaria, were also present at the meeting.

Nahid Islam also stated that the EU plans to deploy a large and strong election observation mission to monitor the polls.
According to him, EU wants the election to be free, fair and competitive, with all stakeholders accepting the results so that the country’s democratic transition can proceed smoothly.
He said the EU delegation expressed interest in hearing the views and concerns of political parties and assured that it would work impartially while seeking cooperation from all sides. The EU team also assured NCP of its support in this regard.

Responding to questions from reporters, Nahid Islam said there is no broad confidence or consensus among political parties, including the NCP, that a level playing field exists in the country.
He alleged that by providing state facilities and special protocol to a particular political party, the administration is sending a message of bias at various levels, which could create inequality in the electoral arena.
He also expressed concern over the role of media, claiming that some mainstream outlets are publishing negative reports targeting the NCP.
He said the party is demanding equal access and fair treatment in both the administration and the media.
Nahid Islam said these concerns are being repeatedly communicated to the Election Commission and will continue to be updated. He added that the commission will also be informed about obstacles the party faces on the ground during campaign activities.

On electoral compliance, he said the Election Commission needs to take a tougher stance against loan defaulters, alleging that many such candidates have initially had their nominations declared valid.
He also claimed that attempts are being made to violate election laws through activities such as illegal postering, and urged the commission to act strictly in accordance with the law.
Addressing the security situation, Nahid Islam said the failure to arrest those responsible for the killing of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi and to ensure justice has created a sense of insecurity in the field.
Although the government has taken some steps, he said concerns have not been fully dispelled. Despite this, he said the NCP will continue its activities and intensify formal campaigning after January 21.
On seat-sharing arrangements, Nahid Islam said the NCP’s position will be clarified soon, possibly within January 11 or 12.
He claimed that the alliance between Jamaat and NCP is significantly ahead in election preparations and that campaigning in favor of a public mandate has already begun.
He added that once a formal announcement on seat-sharing is made, no major challenges are expected.