A delegation of the NCP held a meeting with the Pre-Election Assessment Team from the IRI in Dhaka on Tuesday. Photo : BSS

DHAKA, Oct 23, 2025 (BSS) - A delegation of the National Citizen Party (NCP) 
held a meeting with the Pre-Election Assessment Team from the International 
Republican Institute (IRI) in Dhaka on Tuesday, following an official 
invitation extended by the IRI. 

The meeting aimed to exchange views on Bangladesh's current political and 
electoral situation ahead of the forthcoming national elections, said an NCP 
press release today.

IRI delegation, led by Member of the IRI Board of Directors Christopher J. 
Fussner, includes CNAS Senior Fellow and Director of the Indo-Pacific 
Security Program Lisa Curtis, IRI Technical Expert on Democratic Elections 
and Political Processes Jessica Keegan, IRI Resident Program Director Steve 
Cima and NDI Program Director Jami Spykerman.

The NCP delegation, led by Sultan Mohammed Zakaria, Joint Convenor and Lead 
of the International Relations Cell (IRC), also include Joint Convenor and 
IRC member Monira Sharmin, Joint Member Secretary and IRC Deputy Lead 
Alauddin Mohammad and Joint Member Secretary and IRC Member Tahsin Riaz.

Discussions were held in a cordial and constructive environment, focusing on 
Bangladesh's electoral and political landscape, particularly the role of the 
Election Commission and the government in ensuring a free and fair election.

The NCP delegation shared detailed observations on the prevailing electoral 
atmosphere, raising concerns regarding procedural issues surrounding the 
party's electoral symbol. 

They also highlighted the importance of transparency, institutional 
integrity, and accountability as cornerstones of a credible democratic 
process.

Responding to questions from the IRI team, NCP representatives clarified 
their stance on the "July Charter," explaining that the party's decision not 
to sign the document was based on its principles of political independence, 
national interest, and commitment to authentic democratic reform.

The NCP also presented reform proposals emphasizing the strengthening of 
institutional frameworks, promoting internal democracy within political 
parties, and fostering public trust through transparency and ethical 
governance - elements that form part of the party's long-term vision for an 
accountable and responsible political culture in Bangladesh.

The IRI delegation appreciated the openness and clarity shown by the NCP team 
and underscored the importance of maintaining dialogue with political parties 
in assessing Bangladesh's democratic environment.

The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to 
continued engagement and constructive cooperation in support of Bangladesh's 
democratic journey.