Tasnim Jara to contest as independent candidate from Dhaka-9, not from NCP

Senior joint member-secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP) Tasnim Jara has announced that she will contest the upcoming election as an independent candidate from the Dhaka-9 constituency. She has reportedly resigned from her post and from the NCP.

She made the declaration on her Facebook profile on Saturday evening (27 December).

In her post, she wrote: “Dear residents of Khilgaon, Sabujbagh and Mugda, I am your daughter from home. I was born and raised in Khilgaon. My dream was to go to parliament from a political party platform and serve the people of my area and the country. However, due to the prevailing practical circumstances, I have decided not to participate in the election as a candidate of any specific party or alliance.

I had promised you and the people of the country that I would fight for you and for building a new political culture. No matter the circumstances, I am firmly determined to keep that promise. Therefore, I will contest this election as an independent candidate from Dhaka-9.

If I were a party candidate, there would be a local office, an organised workforce, and opportunities to discuss security or other issues with the government and administration. But since I am not with any party, I will have none of those.

My only strength is you. If you, out of affection and support for your daughter’s integrity, dedication, and unwavering desire to practise new politics, stand by me, only then will I get the opportunity to serve you.

Two special matters:

1. To contest as an independent candidate in the election, as per legal requirements, I need the signatures of support from 4,693 voters of Dhaka-9 constituency on a specific form. I will start collecting these signatures tomorrow. Gathering so many signatures in just one day is almost an impossible task. Without your spontaneous help, I will not be able to do it. Those who want to help tomorrow by providing a sitting place or by volunteering as assistants, please join this group. You will be informed of the specific locations: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1DCkLvMvRX/
2. A few days ago, during the election fundraising, many of you donated. Due to my changed decision (to contest independently), those who want their donated money returned, I deeply respect your choice. Those who sent money via bKash, please fill out this form to get a refund: https://forms.gle/NKTkkNVZvUvyrsGYA

After verifying your transaction ID and details, the money will be returned. For those who sent through bank, I will soon inform you of the refund process.

Your daughter, Tasnim Jara.”