As Bangladesh prepares for its 13th Parliamentary election in February, the National Citizen Party (NCP) is experiencing internal strife. Fourteen central leaders of the party have resigned due to the party’s alliance with the radical Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami, which some within the NCP view as a misguided decision. This move has triggered a series of resignations and inactivity among top party leaders.
A debate has arisen in political circles regarding the income disclosed in the election affidavit of NCP convener Nahid Islam, as reported by Bangladeshi Bengali daily Jugantor. The fallout from the alliance with Jamaat has led to resignations across the NCP, from central leadership to district and divisional city leaders, following the July 2024 demonstrations.
Reports indicate that several key NCP leaders have opposed the party’s alignment with Jamaat and have disengaged from election-related activities. The number of resignations from the party is expected to rise significantly, with more leaders contemplating stepping down, according to statements from NCP leaders to Jugantor. The disillusionment among senior leaders who have resigned stems from feeling betrayed by a party that emerged from the July 2024 protests.
Allegations have surfaced within the NCP that the decision to ally with Jamaat was influenced by a select few, marginalizing the majority of the central leadership. The internal discord has led to many NCP leaders becoming inactive, while candidates for upcoming elections are reportedly resigning. The political landscape in Bangladesh is fraught with tension as the NCP grapples with mounting dissatisfaction over its partnership with Jamaat.
