SHAMIMA RITA

Many members of the National Citizen Party (NCP) are reluctant to contest the upcoming national election as part of a BNP- or Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance, as the party seeks to emerge as a distinct third political force.

While discussions with BNP and Jamaat on possible seat-sharing continue, several NCP leaders believe the party should build its own identity by contesting all 300 constituencies or forming a new alliance with parties outside the two major blocs.

They acknowledged that joining hands with BNP or Jamaat could bring short-term gains, such as a few winnable seats, but warned it might weaken the party’s long-term vision.

Leaders also said an alliance with BNP would make NCP share responsibility for its recent controversies, while a deal with Jamaat could threaten the party’s survival.

These issues were discussed at a six-hour national committee meeting on Friday evening at the party’s office in Banglamotor.

NCP Convener Nahid Islam, Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, and Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary attended the meeting, while two key organisers, Hasnat Abdullah and Sarjis Alam, were absent.

After the meeting, several leaders spoke with The Daily Star.

“We are preparing to contest the election independently to demonstrate our ability to field candidates in all 300 constituencies,” said NCP Joint Convener Sarwar Tushar.

He said, “We are also discussing forming a third political alliance outside BNP and Jamaat, but nothing has been finalised yet. Everything remains uncertain until the implementation order of the July Charter is issued.”

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