NCP Set to Leave Jamaat-led Alliance!

The political alliance formed under the banner of Jamaat-e-Islami ahead of the 13th parliamentary elections appears to be falling apart. The Khilafat Majlis walked out a few days ago, signaling the first crack. Now, the National Citizens Party (NCP), a key partner in the coalition, is seriously considering parting ways with Jamaat.

According to responsible sources, the NCP—comprising the youth who led the July uprising—is internally debating the pros and cons of coalition politics. At the same time, the party is weighing the possibility of forging new political understandings with Islamist parties of the Qawmi tradition and exploring alternative alliances ahead of the upcoming local government elections.

Multiple party leaders have indicated that the NCP's long-term goal is to emerge as a major national political force. In their view, remaining in a Jamaat-led alliance could limit that opportunity. Conversely, if a new political platform takes shape, the NCP could secure a leadership role within it.

Before the parliamentary elections last February, under a "one-box policy" aimed at consolidating the votes of Islamist parties, Jamaat-e-Islami, the Islami Andolan Bangladesh, and several other religious-based parties formed a political front. Later, when the NCP, Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, and LDP joined, it expanded into an 11-party coalition. However, due to disagreements over seat-sharing, Islami Andolan Bangladesh left the alliance just before the elections. Afterward, the remaining parties contested the polls under Jamaat's leadership, but post-election tensions over leadership, political strategy, and future programs gradually came to the fore.

After Khilafat Majlis formally exited on July 25, that discomfort became even more pronounced. Now, the NCP is also reassessing its position. At the party's policymaking level, serious discussions are underway on whether to stay with Jamaat or join a new political realignment.

Multiple party sources say that top NCP leaders have held several informal meetings with Qawmi-oriented Islamist parties. Preliminary talks have focused on jointly moving forward and participating in the upcoming local government elections as a coalition. Coordination on reforms, accountability, and future political programs has also been discussed. The nature of the NCP's role in any new understanding has likewise been part of the conversation.

A member of the NCP's highest policymaking forum, the "Political Council," told Agamir Somoy that preliminary discussions have been held with several Qawmi-oriented parties regarding reforms, justice, and the local government elections. At the same time, the party is evaluating the political gains and losses of staying in the Jamaat-led alliance versus leaving it. A final decision will be made by the party's top leadership after the July programs conclude.

According to several senior NCP leaders, their unity with Jamaat was essentially an electoral understanding centered on the parliamentary elections. However, the local government elections have created an entirely different reality. Notably, while the NCP sought a consensus on at least one Dhaka city corporation election, Jamaat did not respond positively. Instead, both parties have moved toward fielding separate candidates. This has raised fundamental questions about the future of the alliance.

Amid discussions about the future of the Jamaat-led alliance, Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has signaled a new equation in Islamist politics. Aiming to bring Qawmi-oriented parties under a common platform, the organization convened a meeting on July 16 at the Babunagar Madrassa in Chattogram, attended by top leaders from seven Islamist parties. Representatives from Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis, Khilafat Majlis, Khilafat Andolan, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh, Islami Oikya Jote, and Nezam-e-Islam Party took part. Senior leaders of Hefazat were also present.

Multiple sources who attended the meeting said each party has been asked to submit in writing their political stance and a framework for unity by August 3. Following that, decisions may be made regarding the structure, leadership, programs, and coordinated participation in upcoming local government elections as well as future national elections.

Several sources indicate that the NCP has shown interest in this initiative. Informal meetings have already taken place between the party's top leaders and several Qawmi-oriented parties, where possible coordination on reforms, justice, and the local government elections was discussed.

A member of the NCP's executive committee told Agamir Somoy that preliminary discussions with the Qawmi parties have concluded. They are now reviewing their positions on reform issues. At the same time, the stance of several Islamist parties that are part of the BNP-led alliance is also being considered.

Sources say that NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan recently spoke with Khilafat Majlis Amir Maulana Mamunul Haque. Earlier, he also held courtesy meetings with Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh Amir Allama Shah Muhibbullah Babunagari and Islami Andolan Bangladesh Amir Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim. These meetings have further intensified political discussions about the possibility of a new alliance.

However, Asif Mahmud said that they maintain regular communication with various scholars and political leaders. If any coordination regarding the local government elections arises, it will be based on party decisions.

Different Strategies on Local Government

Following the national elections, the NCP was the first to begin organizational preparations ahead of the local government polls. The party has already announced potential mayoral candidates for five city corporations. Additionally, its local election management committee is working on candidate selection at the upazila, municipality, and union council levels. Party leaders claim that candidates have been announced for over 100 upazilas and municipalities, with nearly 100 more names finalized.

According to the announced list, party spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan will contest for mayor in Dhaka South City Corporation. In Dhaka North, Senior Joint Convener Ariful Islam Adeeb will run. Other candidates include Tariqul Islam in Cumilla, Md. Mobashwer Ali in Rajshahi, and Abdur Rahman Afzal in Sylhet.

The most intense discussions, however, are centered on the Dhaka North and Dhaka South city corporations. Both Jamaat and the NCP view the two Dhaka city corporations as crucial battlegrounds for testing political strength. In Dhaka South, Jamaat has already preliminarily nominated DUCSU VP candidate Sadiq Kayem (Md. Abu Sadiq). At a meeting of Jamaat's central executive council on June 22, he was initially finalized as the party's candidate for Dhaka South. Subsequently, on July 13, he stepped down from his position as central international affairs secretary of Islami Chhatra Shibir. Sources say this decision was made as part of his election preparations.
Meanwhile, internal discussions are also underway within the NCP regarding alternative strategies. A responsible source within the party claims that if a new political equation materializes, the previously announced candidate list may undergo changes. In that case, there is talk of fielding Asif Mahmud in Dhaka North and Nasiruddin Patwari in Dhaka South City Corporation. The reasoning, according to internal party surveys, is that Asif Mahmud enjoys relatively higher acceptance among young voters in North Dhaka. On the other hand, Nasiruddin Patwari's political recognition and organizational base have been strengthened in the southern part of the capital, having contested the Dhaka-8 constituency. Therefore, if a new political alignment takes shape, changes in candidate placement for the two city corporations are being discussed within the party.

Sarwar Tushar, Joint Convener of the NCP and head of its media sub-committee, told Agamir Somoy that no final decision has been made yet regarding the local government elections. Various discussions are ongoing both inside and outside the party. He added that the party is in favor of a coalition for the city corporation elections.

Hafez Maulana Sheikh Fazle Bari Masud, Joint Secretary General of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, told Agami Samay, "Discussions have taken place with NCP leaders at various times. I have also heard that they have shown interest. However, it is not yet confirmed whether they will join the new initiative. We will submit our written proposal to Hefazat-e-Islam by August 3."

On the other hand, a section of Jamaat-e-Islami leaders believes that there is a concerted effort to pull parties away from their led alliance. In this regard, Jamaat's Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad told Agamir Somoy that any problems or distances within the coalition will be resolved through dialogue. He said they suspect some quarters are trying to deliberately fracture the unity. Regarding the NCP's activities, he remarked, "This is their own political decision. I have no information on this matter."

On the subject of the local government elections, the Jamaat leader said, "A national understanding was reached during the national elections. That opportunity does not exist for local government elections. If any adjustments occur, they will be at the local level."