Internal Turmoil Hits National Citizen Party Ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th Parliamentary Elections

Dhaka, Jan 2026 : The National Citizen Party (NCP) is facing a major internal crisis as Bangladesh approaches its 13th Parliamentary elections in February, following a wave of resignations from the party’s central leadership. According to local media reports, 14 senior leaders of the NCP stepped down in protest against the party’s decision to form an alliance with the radical Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami, which has triggered widespread dissent within the ranks.

A section of NCP members reportedly views the alliance as ideologically incompatible and politically “suicidal”, sparking resignations and leaving several top leaders inactive. The political unrest within the party has coincided with questions over the income disclosure of NCP convener Nahid Islam in his election affidavit, adding to the debate among political circles, as reported by the Bangladeshi daily Jugantor.

Beyond political controversies, activists and families of those involved in the July 2024 demonstrations have expressed concern. Sources indicate that since the NCP-Jamaat agreement was announced, resignations have cascaded through the party—from central leaders to divisional and district officials. Many of the senior leaders who quit have reportedly refused to participate in election-related activities, citing disapproval of the alliance.

Several current and former NCP leaders told Jugantor on Friday that the number of resignations is likely to increase sharply in the coming days, as internal discussions continue over stepping down. Former leaders emphasized that the party, which emerged from the July 2024 protests and the sacrifices of students and the public, is now betraying the movement and undermining the trust of its supporters.

One family member of a deceased protestor, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated: “The disintegration and resignations in the NCP are making our demands uncertain. The government has yet to implement most of the promises made earlier. Even the NCP, a pro-July political party, is unable to assure cooperation. The party’s prestige is declining every day.”

Several insiders have alleged that the decision to ally with Jamaat was influenced by just two “special” figures within the party, marginalizing the majority of the central leadership. A senior NCP leader, who has not yet resigned but distanced himself from party activities, told Jugantor: “Some leaders advised me not to resign, warning that if I do, many central, divisional, and district-level leaders would follow suit simultaneously.”

The rift has left a significant portion of the party inactive, and many declared and potential election candidates have reportedly begun announcing their resignations.

With the Bangladesh elections scheduled for February 12, the internal unrest in the NCP underscores growing dissatisfaction over its alliance with Jamaat, highlighting both ideological divides and organizational instability as the party grapples with its political future.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)