National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary today said BNP's announced list of candidates for the upcoming national election is "disappointing" and "most of them are godfathers".
"We had expected that after the mass uprising, the BNP would nominate some good candidates. But it seems they have tactically sidelined the young members of the Chhatra Dal and Jubo Dal. We welcome those young leaders to join our party," he said while speaking at a press briefing at the party office in Dhaka's Banglamotor this evening.
Patwary said, "NCP had learned that BNP's acting chairman Tarique Rahman might return to the country soon. We want to sit together and resolve issues through discussion."
Lauding BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia for securing nominations in three constituencies, Patwary described her as "a symbol of democracy".
"Within the BNP, when we speak of democracy, we mean her. Without the mass uprising, perhaps she would not have had the opportunity to contest," he said, urging recognition of the July Uprising by the party.
He said, "From today, on behalf of NCP, we declare war against terrorism, extortion, and corruption. Either they will survive, or we will -- but we will fight."
Patwary also voiced support for Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, saying, "Dr Yunus is being intimidated -- sometimes by BNP, sometimes by Jamaat. I want to tell the chief adviser: If you are afraid, we are here. We fear no one -- not BNP, not Jamaat."
Criticising major political parties, Patwary accused them of attempting to "erase the identity of smaller parties" by offering them one or two constituencies.
"Every party should have the right to contest under its own symbol," he said. "If any big party sells election symbols to smaller ones, we urge voters not to support them."
Patwary said the "July Charter Implementation Order" must be issued by Chief Adviser Yunus.
"There is no scope for the president's signature on the matter. If such an attempt is made, students will again take to the streets," he added.