Dhaka, October 2 (Daily Kiran) : The National Citizen Party (NCP) of Bangladesh is facing scrutiny regarding its political identity following its decision to join an alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami (JI). A recent report highlights the historical context, noting Jamaat’s opposition to the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War and its support for the Pakistani military, suggesting that the NCP may pay a significant political price for this partnership.
Since the NCP’s inception, at least 60 leaders and activists have reportedly left the party as it approaches its first anniversary in February. The electoral alliance with Jamaat has become a clear example of ongoing internal disagreements about the party’s political direction.
On September 19, NCP coordinator Nahid Islam sharply criticized Prime Minister Tariq Rahman during a long march organized by an opposition coalition of 11 parties led by Jamaat. He stated, “He must decide whether to flee the country by helicopter or resign with dignity.” Notably, this statement was made not at an NCP rally but during the Jamaat-led coalition’s event.
According to a report from The Diplomat, the long march was organized around seven key demands, including the implementation of the February referendum decision, controlling rising inflation, addressing energy and fertilizer crises, improving law and order, and combating corruption.
The report indicates that it has become common for the NCP to participate in long marches, coalition meetings, and protests alongside Jamaat. The NCP emerged from a student movement that led to the ousting of the Awami League government in August 2024. However, questions arise about what differentiates the NCP from Jamaat, given its initial promise of providing a new political option.
The NCP claims its relationship with Jamaat is strategic rather than ideological. Yet, as the report notes, the party faces the challenge of conveying its distinct political identity to voters less than two years after its emergence from the student movement.
This challenge has intensified following the elections, as the partnership between the NCP and Jamaat continues. Jamaat leader Shafiqur Rahman has assumed the role of opposition leader, while NCP’s Nahid Islam has taken on the responsibility of the chief whip of the opposition. Both parties have remained aligned within the opposition bloc and continue to collaborate outside Parliament.
The report emphasizes that this situation poses a significant challenge to the NCP’s political identity. While the NCP positions itself as a separate political entity from Jamaat, the reality is that voters do not define a party’s identity solely based on its constitution or official statements. They also consider with whom the party shares a platform, collaborates in Parliament, and campaigns alongside on the streets.
Consequently, the NCP’s ongoing political activities with Jamaat have intensified questions regarding its distinct political identity.
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