What is the NCP's Position on Alliance with Jamaat Amid Resignation Threats?
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Synopsis
As the Bangladesh general elections loom, the NCP faces internal turmoil over a possible alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami. With mass resignations threatened by senior leaders, tensions rise as the party grapples with its foundational values against political expediency.
Key Takeaways
- NCP faces internal dissent over alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami.
- 30 leaders threaten mass resignations if alliance proceeds.
- Concerns raised about Jamaat-e-Islami's historical role.
- Alliance could alienate moderate supporters.
- NCP must navigate carefully to maintain integrity.
Dhaka, Dec 28 (NationPress) As the Bangladesh general elections approach, the National Citizen Party (NCP) has made an effort to clarify its stance regarding a potential alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami. This comes in the wake of significant unrest within the party, with numerous senior leaders threatening to resign en masse over the matter.
NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain articulated the party's position in a statement shared on the official Facebook page on Saturday evening.
In reference to discussions within the consensus commission, Hossain mentioned that, despite differing opinions between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and other political entities, the NCP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and several others share alignment on essential reform proposals.
"When contemplating any electoral alliance or agreement, the primary focus should be on reform, the reconstruction of the nation, and a commitment to establishing a new governance framework for Bangladesh," Hossain stated.
Nonetheless, this clarification has not alleviated the unrest within the party.
According to Dhaka Tribune, at least 30 central committee leaders of the NCP penned a letter on Saturday to party Convener Nahid Islam, expressing strong opposition to any electoral collaboration with Jamaat-e-Islami.
The internal dissent has heightened, with 30 founding members of the NCP threatening to resign collectively if the party pursues a possible alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami and the eight-party coalition. A female NCP leader who endorsed the letter confirmed its authenticity to Dhaka Tribune.
In their correspondence, the leaders referenced Jamaat-e-Islami's political history, particularly its anti-independence stance during the 1971 Liberation War and alleged involvement in atrocities, arguing that such a legacy starkly contradicts Bangladesh's democratic values and the NCP's founding principles.
The signatories further accused Jamaat and its student organization, Islami Chhatra Shibir, of engaging in divisive politics since the July uprising, including spying on other parties, character assassination of NCP female leaders, and promoting what they termed the escalating threat of religiously motivated social fascism.
The letter underscored the party's origins, stating that as a democratic political entity emerging from a mass movement, the NCP has a duty "to guide towards a path where human rights, religious tolerance, equal dignity, minority protection, and democratic ideals are preserved."
The leaders criticized what they described as a leadership reversal after the party previously declared 125 candidates for independent contests, cautioning that any alliance "for merely a few seats constitutes a betrayal of the nation."
Additionally, they warned that news of a potential alliance has already caused moderate supporters to withdraw their backing.
"If moderate individuals and those anticipating new political directions withdraw their support, we risk losing the party's moderate foundation in the future. This could harm the NCP's centrist political identity," the letter indicated.
The dissenting members concluded by urging the leadership to uphold principled politics, asserting that "strategy should be determined based on principled positions; principled positions should not be compromised for strategic motives," while reiterating their loyalty to party discipline.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize that while alliances may seem strategic, they can also undermine a party's core principles and alienate its base. The NCP must navigate this situation with care to maintain its integrity and support.
NationPress
29/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the NCP's clarification on its alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami?
The NCP faced significant internal dissent, with senior leaders threatening mass resignations over the potential alliance, necessitating a public clarification.
What are the concerns of the dissenting NCP leaders?
The dissenting leaders cited Jamaat-e-Islami's controversial history and argued that an alliance contradicts the NCP's democratic values and foundational principles.
How many NCP leaders threatened to resign?
At least 30 central committee leaders of the NCP have threatened to resign if the party pursues an alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami.
What are the implications of this internal dissent for the NCP?
Internal dissent could lead to a loss of support among moderates and damage the NCP's centrist political identity, affecting its potential success in upcoming elections.
What is the NCP's foundational stance regarding alliances?
The NCP emphasizes principled politics and insists that strategic decisions should not compromise its core values of human rights, religious tolerance, and democratic integrity.
