NCP aligns with Jamaat-led coalition to safeguard ‘July Generation’
Staff Reporter :
The National Citizen Party (NCP) has joined an electoral alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and several ideologically similar parties, citing the need for broader unity to protect the generation that played a key role in the July uprising. NCP Convener Nahid Islam made the announcement on Sunday.
He disclosed the decision during an emergency press conference held in the evening at the party’s temporary office in Banglamotor.
Nahid said the party had originally planned to contest the upcoming election independently and had preparations to nominate candidates in all 300 constituencies.
However, he explained that recent developments-including the killing of Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Osman Hadi-forced the party to reassess its strategy and opt for a new course of action.
Warning of ongoing efforts to derail the February elections, Nahid alleged that defeated forces are conspiring to eliminate the July generation. “To protect the aspirations and future of the July generation, NCP has decided to work alongside Jamaat,” he said.
He added that the alliance aims to build a wider unity to reform the state, ensure justice for those killed during the July mass uprising, and dismantle corruption and dominance.
“From that standpoint, we have joined this alliance to ensure a fair and competitive election,” he noted.
The move has triggered differing responses within the NCP. Several central leaders, including Tasnim Jara and Tajnuva Jabeen, resigned in protest, while others such as Samantha Sharmin and Monira Sharmin publicly voiced their opposition.
Responding to internal criticism, Nahid said the decision was taken in line with the majority view within the party. “NCP will continue to function according to its constitution and internal rules,” he asserted.
Addressing questions about ideological differences between NCP and Jamaat, Nahid clarified that the partnership is strictly electoral at this stage.
“This alliance is limited to the election. Any post-election cooperation will be decided later. Our immediate focus is the 13th national election and the referendum,” he said.
On seat allocation, he stated that discussions are still ongoing and that details would be shared at a press conference scheduled for Monday.
Earlier on Sunday, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman formally announced NCP’s inclusion in the alliance during an emergency briefing with allied parties. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) also joined the coalition on the same day.
Following the July uprising, Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Khelafat Majlis, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon, Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party, and the Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JaGaPa) initiated talks to nominate single candidates in each constituency through seat-sharing arrangements.
The Bangladesh Development Party later joined these efforts, forming an eight-party alliance that carried out prolonged joint movements on various political demands.
With the latest inclusion of NCP and LDP, the Jamaat-led electoral alliance has now expanded to ten parties.