Internal Discontent in Student-led NCP Over Alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami Before Bangladesh Elections

The National Citizen Party is experiencing internal conflict regarding a potential alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami ahead of the February elections. Thirty leaders have opposed the plan, citing concerns over party values and Jamaat's controversial history.

An internal conflict has erupted within the student-led National Citizen Party (NCP) over a proposed alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami before the Bangladesh election in February. Thirty leaders have opposed this plan, and two senior members have resigned. The NCP, which evolved from Students Against Discrimination (SAD), gained political status after the July Uprising that led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government.

The memorandum, titled "Principled objections to a potential alliance," was sent to party convenor Nahid Islam. It highlights concerns about aligning with Jamaat, arguing it contradicts the NCP's ideology and values from the July Uprising. The memo also criticises Jamaat's controversial past, including its alleged role against Bangladesh's independence and involvement in the 1971 Liberation War.

Concerns Over Political Credibility

The document warns that an alliance with Jamaat could damage the NCP's credibility and public trust. It suggests this move might confuse and disappoint supporters, particularly younger activists who favour new politics. The memo also accuses Jamaat's student wing, Chhatra Shibir, of infiltrating other parties to blame the NCP for various incidents.

Tasnim Jara, the NCP's senior joint member-secretary, resigned on Saturday evening. She announced her intention to run as an independent candidate in Dhaka's parliamentary election. In a Facebook post, Jara stated she would not represent any specific party or alliance due to current political realities. Her resignation did not explicitly mention the proposed alliance with Jamaat.

Female Leaders' Opposition

Reports indicate that many female NCP leaders oppose an alliance with Jamaat or any religion-based parties. Senior joint convenor Samata Sharmin and others have expressed reservations about this potential partnership. Despite this opposition, most signatories of the memo were male members of the NCP.

The Daily Star newspaper reported that the NCP is likely to finalise a seat-sharing agreement with Jamaat soon. However, Jamaat's secretary general, Mia Golam Parwar, mentioned ongoing discussions with the NCP on a one-on-one basis. He indicated that seat-sharing possibilities would become clear shortly.

Political Landscape Shifts

Earlier reports suggested a possible seat-sharing deal between the NCP and Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), but no agreement was reached. Since then, talks between the NCP and Jamaat have progressed positively. The BNP has emerged as a key player in the changing political scene, with Jamaat now appearing as its main rival following the Awami League's disbandment by an interim government order.

The situation remains fluid as both parties continue discussions. The outcome of these negotiations could significantly impact Bangladesh's political landscape ahead of the upcoming election.

With inputs from PTI