The National Citizen Party (NCP), formed largely by student leaders of the 2024 July Uprising that brought down the Sheikh Hasina government, is facing serious internal unrest ahead of the February 12 national elections. Around 30 members have formally opposed the party’s decision to align with Bangladesh’s largest Islamist party, Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), citing its controversial past and what they describe as recent divisive actions.
Notably, JeI had opposed Bangladesh’s independence and collaborated with the Pakistan Army during the 1971 war. JeIwere with the Pakistani Army and committed crimes against the Bengali people before 1971. Although the party was banned under the Hasina government, the restriction was lifted last year after Muhammad Yunus assumed charge of the interim administration.
Resignations and growing dissent within NCP
Meanwhile, dissent within the NCP has intensified following the resignation of joint convener Tajnuva Jabeen. Senior joint member secretary Tasnim Jara also stepped down from her organisational post. Subsequently, several sources indicated that more NCP members may defect to the BNP or contest the polls as independents.
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In a Facebook post, Tajnuva stated she would not contest the upcoming elections, as she objected to the NCP’s alliance with JeI. However, she clarified that her decision was driven not only by ideology but also by concerns over the decision-making process. Earlier, the party had invited nationwide nominations and shortlisted 125 aspirants. Now, it is finalising seat-sharing for around 30 constituencies. Tajnuva said, “I have left NCP, not politics.”
At the same time, Tasnim Jara announced she would contest as an independent candidate from Dhaka-9.
Separately, JeI chief Shafiqur Rahman said at a press conference that the NCP and the Liberal Democratic Party, led by former BNP-era minister Col (retd) Oli Ahmed, had joined an eight-party coalition headed by JeI. He added that nominations for all 300 constituencies were nearly finalised. However, he explained that NCP leaders were absent from the briefing due to time constraints and would announce their position through a separate press conference.
