Dhaka, Dec 29 (V7N) — The National Citizen Party (NCP) on Sunday officially declared its inclusion in an eight-party political alliance alongside Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and like-minded parties, ahead of the upcoming national election.
The announcement was made in the evening at a press conference held at the party’s central office at Rupayan Tower in Banglamotor, Dhaka. NCP Convener Nahid Islam said the decision was taken in view of the country’s changing political context and the need for greater unity to safeguard the democratic process.
Nahid Islam alleged that forces defeated through the mass uprising were still engaged in conspiracies aimed at suppressing the July generation and participants of the movement. He warned that those who took part in the uprising, including youths across the country, ordinary citizens, families of martyrs, and injured activists, were being deliberately targeted. Referring to recent violence, he said attacks that struck individuals like Osman Hadi could be repeated against others if resistance is not built collectively.
He said discussions within party forums led to the conclusion that a broader alliance was necessary to ensure that elections are held fairly, competitively, and without interference from what he described as hegemonic forces seeking to obstruct post-uprising progress. From that perspective, the NCP held talks with Jamaat-e-Islami and allied parties and agreed to an electoral understanding. As a result, the NCP decided to contest the election jointly with the alliance.
Responding to questions about possible internal divisions within the party, Nahid Islam said the decision was reached based on the opinion of the majority. He acknowledged that dissenting views may exist in any political organization but noted that choices about remaining in the party or contesting elections are personal decisions. He expressed confidence that party leaders, activists, affiliated organizations, and the central committee nationwide are largely in agreement with the move.
Earlier in the afternoon, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman announced at a separate press briefing that the National Citizen Party and the Liberal Democratic Party had decided to join the alliance. He said a meeting with NCP leaders had just concluded and that although they were unable to attend the earlier briefing due to time constraints, direct discussions had taken place with Nahid Islam, who had conveyed the party’s decision. Dr. Rahman added that the NCP would formally announce its stance later in the evening, which it subsequently did.
The development marks a significant realignment in the opposition political landscape as parties move to consolidate forces ahead of the next national election.
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