NCP condemns 'ugly attempt to create a narrative through news'

National Citizen Party (NCP) has condemned an “ugly attempt to create a narrative through news,” stressing that any effort to influence voters with money or fear must be dealt with firmly, regardless of political affiliation.

Speaking at a briefing at the party’s Bangla Motor office in Dhaka this evening, NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain said, “If any candidate or their activists are seen trying to buy votes with money -- meaning financial transactions with voters -- then it is clearly a crime.”

He said that such incidents must be punished through the Election Commission and field magistrates, no matter which party the candidate belongs to.

However, he criticised attempts to frame ordinary cash possession as crime, saying, “Carrying money, keeping money, or personally transporting money -- turning these into crime by taking Tk 20,000 from someone’s pocket and framing it through media -- in such cases, the administration must play a more neutral role.”

On the other hand, referring to Lakshmipur, Asif cited reports that Tk 80 lakh was recovered from BNP leader Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee’s campaign vehicle, saying that while personal cash possession may be a citizen’s right, transporting or distributing money in election vehicles must face legal action.

Warning media owners and editors, he said, “Present correct information. Do not show bias. After this election, there will be no more concessions. After February 12, accountability will begin.”

Asif accused BNP and its alliance partners of trying to disrupt voting in constituencies where they are weak, citing Cumilla‑4, where a BNP candidate disqualified over loan default allegedly threatened to burn voters’ houses.

He criticised the Election Commission’s response, calling it “extremely cowardly” for issuing only a warning.

The NCP spokesperson praised joint forces and the army for recovering weapons from different areas, saying this had boosted voter confidence. He urged authorities to act quickly on remaining weapon stockpiles.