National Citizens Party (NCP) convener and former adviser to the interim government, Nahid Islam, has cast doubt on the possibility of holding elections in February, saying, "It doesn`t seem like polls will be held in February."

He made the remarks on Sunday while delivering a speech as chief guest at an event titled “The Heroic Story of the 2024 Mass Uprising and the Role of the Diaspora in the Formation of Post-Revolution Bangladesh,” organized by the NCP Diaspora Alliance in Malaysia.

During the event and a subsequent Q&A session with diaspora journalists, Nahid emphasized that the NCP seeks to participate in what he termed Constituent Assembly elections under the legal framework of the July Charter.

"We don`t see any practicality in holding elections outside of this framework," he said. "We`ve never taken a position on the election date. But if elections are held in December with guaranteed reforms and justice, we have no objection."

Addressing speculation about seat-sharing with the BNP, Nahid dismissed such talk as baseless. "Postponing elections or discussions about seat-sharing are just gossip and false propaganda," he said. "Reforms are far more important to me than mere participation or success in elections."

He reiterated that the core mission remains structural transformation. "Our main agenda is to convey to the people that the change in Bangladesh came through the mass uprising of July. Only after meaningful reforms will we turn our attention to elections."

Nahid also clarified the NCP`s firm stance on the upcoming polls: "Elections only change those in power. But a mass uprising changes the very structure of the state. If that structural change does not happen, we will reject the election." He described the 2024 uprising as unprecedented, highlighting the emergence of a new political force – Bangladesh`s youth.

"Over the past year, the country has moved towards reform, although there have been obstacles," he said. "Now we stand at a crossroads - will we achieve real reform, or slide into elections without change? We have been clear: we want a new constitution and institutional reform."

The event was chaired by Mohammad Enamul Haque, President of NCP Diaspora Alliance, Malaysia, and moderated by Alamgir Chowdhury Akash. Special guest Alauddin Mohammad, Joint Member Secretary of NCP, also spoke.

Earlier, on Saturday, Nahid had engaged with expatriate remittance workers, reiterating that the NCP would reject national parliament elections without fundamental systemic change.

His three-day visit to Malaysia was organized by the NCP Diaspora Alliance`s Malaysia Chapter. Nahid is scheduled to return home Sunday night and will depart for China next Tuesday, accompanied by seven other NCP leaders.