FROM PROTEST TO POLITICS: NCP poised to reshape Bangladesh’s election

Abu Jakir :

A coalition of student leaders, instrumental in toppling the Sheikh Hasina government, is set to formally launch a new political party, marking a significant shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape.

The party, named the National Citizens Party (NCP), aims to position itself as a key player ahead of the country’s 13th National Parliamentary Election, expected to take place later this year or by mid-next year.

The NCP’s formation comes amid a political realignment following the ousting of Hasina’s Awami League.

With the Awami League largely absent from election discussions and the Jatiya Party struggling for relevance, the rise of a student-led political entity has become a focal point for political analysts.

The NCP’s potential impact, particularly in an electoral field traditionally dominated by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, remains a subject of debate.

The NCP, comprised of leaders from the anti-discrimination student movement that gained momentum during the July mass uprising, is scheduled for a formal launch on Friday (February 28) at Manik Mia Avenue.

The event is expected to draw participation from various democratic parties, underscoring its ambitions for broader political legitimacy.

Party insiders confirm that Nahid Islam has been appointed as NCP’s convener, with Akhtar Hossain taking on the role of member secretary.

The party’s leadership structure includes Nasiruddin Patwary as Chief Organizer, Hasnat Abdullah as the chief coordinator for the southern region, and Sarjis Alam heading the northern division.

Abdul Hannan Masud has been designated as a joint coordinator, though the appointments for joint convener and joint member secretary remain unresolved.

Political Uncertainty and Electoral Prospects

As Bangladesh prepares for its upcoming election, analysts remain skeptical about the NCP’s immediate influence. The country’s symbol-based voting system favors established political brands, making it challenging for new entrants to gain traction.

A recent survey conducted by the Brac Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD) found that 40% of respondents would consider voting for a party led by student leaders.

However, 38% of voters remain undecided, and significant portions still align with traditional parties-16% backing the BNP, 11% favoring Jamaat-e-Islami, and 9% supporting the Awami League.

The BNP, which views itself as the primary beneficiary of any fair election, remains confident. Addressing supporters in a virtual conference, BNP’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, declared, “The majority of the country’s people believe that if a fair and proper election is held, the BNP will be given the responsibility to form the government.”

The Challenge of Political Transformation Despite doubts about its electoral prospects, some observers believe the NCP’s emergence signals a broader political shift.

The party’s formation is seen as an attempt to break free from the entrenched dominance of the three major parties and military rule.

“People in our country are accustomed to voting for familiar symbols,” said Sabbir Ahmed, a political science professor at Dhaka University.

“It would be unrealistic to expect a new party to achieve significant success in the elections right away.

They need to first build their foundation and gain public trust before voters decide whether to support them.”

Still, some analysts suggest that the desire for change could create space for a youth-led movement.

If the NCP successfully channels public frustration with the political status quo, it may mark the beginning of a new era in Bangladesh’s political evolution.