In a significant political development, Azad Khan Bhasani, the grandson of the revered people’s leader Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani, has formally announced his departure from the National Citizens’ Party (NCP). Azad, who served as the Chief Coordinator of the party’s Farmers’ Wing, took to Facebook on Sunday evening (28 December) to declare his decision.
In his statement, Azad Khan Bhasani reflected on his journey with the NCP, which he joined with high hopes during the July Mass Uprising. “I became part of the National Citizens’ Party, formed under the leadership of young leaders who guided the July Uprising, with aspirations of contributing to the unfinished struggle of the Great Liberation War. My motivation was to dedicate myself to the construction of a new Bangladesh, resisting fifty-two years of entrenched inequality, exploitation, and deprivation,” he wrote.
Azad emphasised that his initial association with the NCP was inspired by Maulana Bhasani’s people-centric, anti-imperialist, and egalitarian political vision. He also highlighted his tenure as the Chief Coordinator of the Farmers’ Wing as part of this broader political mission.
However, he expressed deep regret at the practical shortcomings he encountered within the party. “I found a distinct lack of commitment to the historical responsibility of building a new Bangladesh and to the empathy and sacrifices required for the people. The anticipated success in shaping a new political framework and independent identity has also not materialised,” he stated.
Despite maintaining a lower profile in recent months, Azad affirmed his continued goodwill towards the party but stressed that adherence to the ideals of the Great Liberation War and Maulana Bhasani’s political philosophy now necessitates his formal withdrawal. He concluded by extending his best wishes to the youthful party members.
Azad’s departure follows a wave of resignations within the NCP in recent days, many linked to the party’s controversial alliance with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. The table below summarises recent notable resignations:
| Date | Resigning Member | Position | Reason/Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 Dec | Mir Arshadul Haque | Joint Secretary, Central Committee | Supported BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman |
| 27 Dec | Dr. Tasneem Zara & Khaled Saifullah | Senior Joint Secretary & Joint Convenor | Opposition to Jamaat alliance |
| 28 Dec | Dr. Tajnuva Jabin & Mohammad Abul Kashem | Joint Convenor & Nominee Feni-3 | Opposition to Jamaat alliance |
| 28 Dec | Monira Sharmin | Joint Convenor, NCP Candidate, Naogaon-5 | Withdrew candidacy over Jamaat alliance |
| 28 Dec | Monjila Sultana Jhuma | Chief Coordinator, Khagrachhari | Withdrew candidacy over Jamaat alliance |
Earlier, on 6 September, Azad had been appointed Chief Coordinator of the NCP Farmers’ Wing’s Preparatory Committee with the approval of Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary. His resignation marks the latest chapter in a series of high-profile exits, signalling growing unease within the party ranks over strategic alliances and ideological direction.