Dhaka, Jan 3 (NationPress) As Bangladesh approaches its 13th Parliamentary election scheduled for February, the National Citizen Party (NCP) is encountering significant internal discord. Reports indicate that 14 central party leaders have stepped down following the NCP's alliance with the controversial Jamaat-e-Islami, a radical Islamist party.

Within the NCP, a faction considers this alliance with Jamaat to be a profoundly anti-ideological and politically 'self-destructive choice'. This discontent has triggered a wave of resignations, with numerous prominent leaders becoming inactive.

In parallel, discussions have arisen in political circles concerning the income reported in the election affidavit of NCP convener Nahid Islam, as noted by the Bangladeshi Bengali daily Jugantor.

Moreover, individuals involved in the July 2024 protests, including families of victims and those injured, have expressed that since the electoral pact with Jamaat, resignations have spread throughout the NCP, affecting both central leadership and district-level leaders.

Reports suggest that many top NCP figures have rejected the party's decision to partner with Jamaat and have withdrawn from election-related activities.

On Friday, multiple NCP leaders conveyed to Jugantor that the number of resignations is likely to surge, with more leaders contemplating stepping down amid internal deliberations.

Several senior leaders who have resigned have stated that the party, which emerged from the July 2024 protests and the sacrifices of students and the populace, is now betraying the protestors and the general public.

A family member of a protest casualty, wishing to remain anonymous, remarked, "The ongoing fragmentation and resignations within the NCP are clouding our demands. The government has failed to fulfill many of its prior commitments. We are not receiving assurances of support even from the NCP, which was once seen as a pro-July political entity. The party's reputation is diminishing daily."

Some NCP leaders have claimed that the decision to ally with Jamaat was primarily influenced by two "special" individuals within the party, marginalizing the majority of the central leadership.

One senior NCP leader, who has not yet resigned, mentioned to Jugantor, "While I haven’t stepped down, I have distanced myself from all party activities. Several top leaders have urged me not to resign, as my departure could trigger a mass resignation of central, divisional, and district leaders simultaneously."

As the internal divisions deepen, many within the NCP have become inactive, and several declared and potential candidates for various electoral positions have reportedly begun to announce their resignations.

The elections in Bangladesh, set for February 12, are unfolding amid rising political tensions, with dissatisfaction among NCP members escalating over their decision to cooperate with Jamaat in the upcoming elections.