Samanta Sharmin, the senior joint convener of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), has issued a firm warning against any electoral alliance or seat-sharing agreement with Jamaat-e-Islami, asserting that such a move could come at a significant cost to the party.
Addressing the growing internal tensions within NCP over potential talks with Jamaat, Sharmin made her position clear in a post on her Facebook page on Sunday morning. She stated, “Jamaat-e-Islami cannot be considered a reliable political ally in Bangladesh. Any collaboration or alliance with them, given their political stance and ideology, would impose a severe price on the NCP. I firmly believe this course of action would be detrimental to the party’s credibility and standing.”
The NCP, a party established by youth leaders at the forefront of the July uprising, had been preparing to contest the upcoming 13th parliamentary elections. In recent weeks, discussions regarding seat-sharing with Jamaat were reportedly nearing finalisation. This has sparked internal dissent, leading to the resignation of three prominent party members: Tasnim Zara, Tajnuba Jabin, and Mir Arshadul Haque. All three had been included in NCP’s initial 125-seat candidate list for the election.
Moreover, at least 30 senior party leaders have formally submitted a memorandum to party convener Nahid Islam, expressing principled objections to the potential alliance. These leaders warned that collaborating with Jamaat could undermine the party’s credibility and alienate its supporters.
Political analysts suggest that the issue exposes a deeper struggle within the NCP between pragmatic electoral considerations and adherence to ideological principles. With the parliamentary elections approaching, the party now faces the delicate challenge of maintaining internal cohesion while deciding on its broader electoral strategy.
Key Details: NCP Resignations and Internal Objections :
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Resigned Members | Tasnim Zara, Tajnuba Jabin, Mir Arshadul Haque |
| Reason for Resignation | Objection to potential alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami |
| Candidate List Size | 125 seats |
| Senior Leaders Objecting | 30 leaders submitted memorandum |
| Party Convener | Nahid Islam |
| Main Concern | Ideological conflict and reputational risk |
Sharmin’s unequivocal stance highlights the friction within NCP and signals the potential political cost of forming alliances with controversial parties. Observers note that how the party resolves this issue may have long-term implications for its credibility and electoral prospects.
As tensions mount, NCP’s leadership will need to balance strategic electoral considerations with internal party unity, all while navigating the political sensitivities surrounding Jamaat-e-Islami, a party with a long and controversial history in Bangladesh’s political landscape.