NCP in crisis as 14 central leaders resign

The newly formed political party, the National Citizens Party (NCP), is facing an unprecedented internal crisis, triggered initially by its alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami. This political maneuver has sparked a wave of resignations among the party’s central leadership, a trend that has now spread nationwide. Reports suggest that a majority of the party’s prominent figures across districts and divisions have either resigned or become inactive.

In addition, controversies have emerged surrounding the declared income of the party chief, Nahid Islam, further intensifying the political turbulence. Analysts warn that the departure of senior leaders represents a significant setback for NCP, raising questions about the remaining leadership’s capacity to retain loyalty and cohesion within the party.

Many veterans of the July uprising, families of martyrs, and those injured during the protests have expressed concern that the party’s decision to ally with Jamaat-e-Islami contradicts its founding principles. Several central and regional leaders have resigned in protest, while others have withdrawn from electoral activities, viewing the alliance as both ideologically unacceptable and politically suicidal.

On Thursday night, a major blow came when one of the party’s founding members, spokesperson, joint secretary, and head of the media cell, Mushfiq Us Salehin, tendered his resignation from all positions, including his role as co-lead of the Policy and Research Wing. On the same day, the party’s central joint chief coordinator, Khan Muhammad Mursalin, also stepped down.

Further resignations appear imminent. Several senior leaders who have already left NCP emphasised that the party, which was established on the blood of students and citizens during the July uprising, is now betraying the very people it once sought to represent.

On 1 January, NCP’s joint convener, Khaled Saifullah, confirmed his resignation. A graduate of Dhaka University and Oxford University, he had served as head of the party’s Policy and Research Wing since its inception. Notably, Dr Tasnim Zara, his spouse, had resigned from the senior joint secretary position on 28 December and is now contesting the Dhaka-9 parliamentary seat as an independent candidate.

According to Mushfiq Us Salehin, “Internal disagreements have reached a peak and are now becoming publicly visible. The decision to form an electoral alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami has caused widespread discontent, undermining the party’s original ideals. NCP has effectively aligned with old political arrangements, abandoning its vision of new politics.”

Families of martyrs have voiced their disappointment, citing that the party is failing to uphold the expectations of those who sacrificed for the July uprising.

Currently, at least fourteen central leaders have resigned, while many others have become inactive.

Table: Key Resignations from NCP Leadership

Political analysts warn that unless the party addresses these internal rifts and restores trust, NCP risks becoming marginalised in Bangladesh’s evolving political landscape.