NCP Weighs Alliance Options Ahead of National Polls

The National Citizen Party (NCP) is currently assessing potential alliance options ahead of the upcoming national elections, with its leadership divided over whether to align with the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, or to pursue the formation of a separate third political bloc.

A crucial meeting of the party’s executive council was held at its central office in Dhaka on Friday evening, lasting nearly five hours. The 51-member body, including Convener Nahid Islam and Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, discussed at length the party’s electoral strategy and future direction.

According to multiple senior leaders, opinions within the party were sharply divided. One section of the council advocated for joining the BNP-led alliance, citing shared goals in restoring democracy and ensuring fair elections. Another group suggested forming an understanding with Jamaat-e-Islami, believing it could strengthen the Islamic and conservative voter base.

However, a majority of the members expressed concern that aligning with either BNP or Jamaat might compromise NCP’s centrist identity. They instead favoured forming a third alliance, independent of both major blocs, to create a “neutral and credible alternative” for voters dissatisfied with traditional parties.

Concerns over alliance implications

Several leaders pointed out that even if BNP leaves certain constituencies open for NCP candidates, competition from independent BNP contenders could still make it difficult for the NCP to secure victories. On the other hand, joining hands with Jamaat could risk being “tagged” ideologically, which might alienate moderate and young voters in the long term.

“The NCP must preserve its independent image if it wants to emerge as a serious political force,” one senior council member remarked after the meeting. “An alliance with either BNP or Jamaat could limit our future political flexibility.”

Organisational focus and coordination efforts

The meeting also emphasised organisational development and election preparation. The council decided to complete the formation of district, upazila, and union-level committees by the end of October.

NCP’s media cell secretary Mushfiq-us-Saleheen said the meeting focused on both organisational expansion and election preparations. “The NCP will soon announce its list of candidates after consulting those interested in contesting,” he stated.

Moves to engage with multiple blocs

Earlier, on 19 September, the NCP held a national coordination meeting in Dhaka to strengthen its grassroots network. Subsequently, NCP leaders engaged in dialogue with several political platforms, including the Ganatantra Mancha, AB Party, and Gono Odhikar Parishad, to explore possible cooperation under the framework of the July Charter.

On 9 October, the NCP, along with AB Party and Gono Odhikar Parishad, held discussions with Ganatantra Mancha leaders at the residence of ASM Abdur Rob, president of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD). The meeting covered both political reform proposals and the possibility of forming an electoral alliance.

According to sources, the parties reached a consensus on several issues, including:

Establishing the legal framework of the July Charter;

Introducing a proportional representation (PR) system in the upper house of parliament;

Ensuring accountability for the July and Shapla massacres;

Suspending the activities of the Jatiya Party and the 14-party alliance.

The discussions also underscored a shared commitment to protecting Bangladesh’s sovereignty, democracy, and human rights, and resisting any form of internal or external dominance.

Outreach to Islamic groups

In addition to these dialogues, NCP has intensified contacts with several Islamic parties. On 4 October, a delegation from the party visited the central office of the Bangladesh Khilafat Andolon in Kamrangirchar, Dhaka, signalling a broad-based strategy to engage across ideological lines.

Decision still pending

Despite extensive discussions, the NCP leadership has not reached a final decision regarding alliances. Joint Convener Monira Sharmin stated that the party is still evaluating its options.

“No final decision has been made yet about forming an electoral alliance or understanding with any specific group,” she said. “We will continue our discussions and take a decision that best serves the country’s democratic and political future.”

As the election approaches, the NCP’s balancing act between ideological neutrality and political opportunity will likely determine its strategic role in shaping Bangladesh’s evolving opposition landscape.