Staff Reporter :
Tasnim Zara, the senior joint secretary of the National Citizens Party (NCP), has resigned from the party and will contest the upcoming 13th national parliamentary elections as an independent candidate.
NCP Joint Secretary and Media Cell member Mushfiq Us Salehin confirmed the media that Tasnim Zara had submitted her resignation letter to NCP convener Nahid Islam.
Zara had been expected to run on behalf of NCP from the Dhaka-9 constituency, which includes Khilgaon, Sabujbagh and Mugda.
In a post on her verified Facebook account following her resignation, Zara wrote, “I will contest this election as an independent candidate from Dhaka-9.”
Addressing the voters of Dhaka-9, she said, “I am your daughter. I was born and raised in Khilgaon. My dream was to serve my community and my country in parliament through the platform of a political party. But given the current reality, I have decided not to run as a candidate of any specific party or alliance.”
Zara added, “I had promised you and the people of the country that I would fight for you and work to establish a new political culture. Whatever the circumstances, I am determined to keep that promise. Therefore, I will contest this election as an independent candidate from Dhaka-9.”
Acknowledging the challenges of running independently, she said, “A party candidate has a local office, a well-organised workforce, and opportunities to raise concerns with the government or administration regarding security or other issues.”
“Since I am not affiliated with any party, I will not have access to these. My only support is you. If you, as your daughter, give me your trust and support, I will have the opportunity to serve you,” she continued. Zara will begin collecting signatures of support from 4,693 registered voters of Dhaka-9 from Sunday to fulfil legal requirements for independent candidacy.
In addition, she has also pledged to refund donations received during her previous campaign fundraising.
“After verifying your transaction ID and details, the money will be refunded. Those who sent it via bank will be informed shortly about the process to receive their refund,” she added.
Concluding her message, she signed off as “Your daughter, Tasnim Zara.”
Most of the senior women leaders of the NCP oppose alliances with religious parties, including Jamaat.
Several senior leaders, including senior joint convener Samantha Sharmin, senior secretary Nahid Sarwar Niva, joint convener Tajnuva Jabin, and joint secretary Nusrat Tabassum, have expressed their frustration with the party.
Meanwhile, Khaled Saifullah, joint convener of the NCP and Tasnim Zara’s husband, is also expected to resign from the party. He told the media that he is stepping down due to personal reasons.
