Dhaka, Jan 7 (NationPress) The National Citizen Party (NCP), a recently established political entity in Bangladesh, is bracing for its inaugural national election amidst significant internal turmoil. This unrest follows a series of resignations triggered by the party's controversial decision to ally with Jamaat-e-Islami.

Local reports indicate that this turmoil has led to the weakening of essential structures and has highlighted a troubling leadership vacuum within the party.

The NCP emerged from the student-led protests of 2024 against the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government, yet it now finds itself grappling with organizational fragmentation as it prepares for the elections scheduled for February 12.

Although the party has submitted nomination papers, it lacks the necessary election-ready structures. Key tasks like strategic planning and manifesto creation have been either delayed or left incomplete, as reported by The Daily Star, a leading Bangladeshi newspaper.

In the past two weeks, at least 15 senior leaders have resigned from the NCP, including members of the election steering committee, manifesto committee, and policy research wing. Others have become inactive, which has further weakened the party's organizational strength.

Grassroots leaders have expressed that these resignations constitute a major setback, reporting that heads and core members of various operational cells, including those for media relations and information technology, are now inactive or have left the party.

Consequently, routine party operations have faced significant obstacles, limiting activities to a minimal scale.

A senior NCP leader, who chose to remain anonymous, acknowledged to The Daily Star that the party is not adequately prepared for the upcoming elections, stating that with less than 40 days remaining, focus has shifted from comprehensive planning to immediate tactical execution.

On Tuesday, the NCP’s Senior Joint Member Secretary, Ariful Islam Adeeb, confirmed the leadership crisis within the party, as reported by local media.

Internal discord reportedly arose during the last stages of alliance negotiations with the Jamaat-led coalition. Some members of the NCP view this alliance as a politically suicidal decision, resulting in a wave of resignations, while many top leaders have become inactive.

Last week, several NCP leaders claimed that the decision to partner with Jamaat was largely influenced by two influential figures within the party, effectively sidelining much of the central leadership.

“While I haven't resigned, I have distanced myself from the party's activities. Some senior leaders have insisted that I should remain, as my resignation could trigger a mass exodus of leaders across various levels of the NCP,” stated a senior leader in an interview with the Bengali daily 'Jugantor'.

As Bangladesh approaches its elections on February 12, political tensions are escalating, with growing dissatisfaction within the NCP regarding its decision to ally with Jamaat for the upcoming polls.