In a dramatic political development, Sarjis Alam, the chief organiser (Northern region) of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), has been declared “unwelcome” in Rajshahi. The announcement was made on Friday night, 5 December, by Motaleb Hossain, former Joint Convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in Rajshahi District and a former member of the NCP’s district coordination committee, through a Facebook post.
According to Hossain, the decision was prompted by the party centre’s recent appointment of Saiful Islam as district convenor of the NCP’s Rajshahi committee on 29 November, a move that some party members strongly opposed. Hossain alleged that the refusal to remove Saiful Islam from his position left them with no alternative but to declare Sarjis Alam unwelcome in the city.
Since the announcement, a faction within the NCP has criticised Alam, accusing him of supporting the Awami Party, and has actively mobilised against him. In his Facebook statement, Hossain elaborated:
“Saiful Islam was brought into the NCP by Rajshahi divisional organiser Imran Emon, who also appointed him as convenor. We have observed a close relationship between Imran Emon and Sarjis Alam. Despite repeated notifications, Sarjis Alam failed to take any action. This implies his involvement.”
This unfolding internal conflict highlights deeper fissures within the NCP in the northern region, exposing tensions over leadership appointments and perceived loyalties. Party sources indicate that the disagreement could affect local political dynamics in Rajshahi ahead of upcoming elections, potentially reshaping alliances and influence at the grassroots level.
Key Details of the Controversy:
| Event | Date | Individuals Involved | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appointment of NCP Rajshahi convenor | 29 Nov | Saiful Islam, Imran Emon | Party centre appoints Saiful Islam as district convenor |
| Declaration of Sarjis Alam ‘unwelcome’ | 5 Dec | Sarjis Alam, Motaleb Hossain | Hossain announces Alam’s unwelcome status on Facebook |
| Allegations of collusion | Ongoing | Sarjis Alam, Imran Emon | Alam allegedly close to Emon, no action taken despite warnings |
Political analysts suggest that such internal disputes may weaken the NCP’s cohesion in Rajshahi, creating an opening for rival parties to capitalise on local discontent. Meanwhile, both Sarjis Alam and the divisional office of the NCP have yet to issue formal responses regarding these allegations.
The situation continues to develop, and observers are closely monitoring whether this internal rift will escalate or be resolved through party mediation.