Rajshahi, June 28 (V7N) – The nascent National Citizens Party (NCP), born from the ashes of Bangladesh's July 2024 student uprising, is grappling with significant internal strife and leadership disputes in its Rajshahi unit, casting a shadow over the party's early attempts to establish a nationwide presence. Just days after its district coordination committee was approved, a cascade of events, including a violent incident and high-profile resignations, has laid bare the challenges confronting this new political force.

The turmoil escalated dramatically with an alleged physical assault during a committee meeting at a local restaurant. Joint Coordinator No. 1 Nahidul Islam Saju reportedly kicked another joint coordinator, Firoz Alam, who subsequently required hospital treatment. This act of internal violence quickly drew the attention of the central committee, leading to Nahidul Islam's swift suspension for violating party discipline, a move meant to assert authority but which simultaneously exposed deep rifts.

In the immediate aftermath, Chief Coordinator Rashedul Islam tendered his resignation, citing "personal reasons" but acknowledging the incident's impact. While he stated he was not suited for a "big position" in politics, the timing of his departure, just eight days after the committee's formation, underscores potential underlying tensions beyond the direct assault. The rapid unravelling of the leadership structure so early in the committee's tenure signals a struggle for cohesion and authority within the newly established local body.

Further complicating the situation, Nahidul Islam Saju, following his suspension, released a video message alleging that some members of the district committee were attempting to "rehabilitate the Awami League," a severe accusation given the NCP's origins in the mass movement that ousted the former ruling party. This claim hints at ideological friction and a struggle over the party's fundamental direction, potentially involving those whose loyalties or past associations are now being questioned.

The visible disunity extends beyond the direct leadership disputes, with a noticeable "gap" emerging between the Rajshahi district and metropolitan units. A recent protest rally saw significantly low participation from committee members, underscoring a broader lack of coordination and commitment within the local ranks. As Central Committee Joint Convener Monira Sharmin arrives in Rajshahi to address the "unrest," the NCP faces a critical test in managing these early growing pains and ensuring its fledgling local structures can withstand internal pressures.

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