SHAMIMA RITA and ARAFAT RAHAMAN

The National Citizen Party is entering its first national election amid organisational turmoil, after a wave of resignations triggered by its decision to join the Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance left key structures weakened and leadership gaps exposed.

Formed in the wake of the student-led mass uprising and presenting itself as a new political force, the NCP now faces fragmented preparations for the February 12 polls.

Despite submitting nomination papers, the party remains short of election-ready structures, with crucial tasks, such as strategy-setting and manifesto drafting, either stalled or unfinished.

Over the past two weeks, at least 15 senior leaders have stepped down, including members of the election steering committee, manifesto committee, and policy and research wing.

Several others have grown inactive, further eroding the party’s organisational capacity.

Grassroots leaders described the timing of the departures as a severe setback as heads and core members of multiple cells for office, media relations, publicity and ICT are inactive or no longer with the party.

They said routine party operations have become difficult, with remaining activities continuing only on a limited scale.

A senior NCP leader, speaking to The Daily Star on condition of anonymity, admitted the party was not fully prepared for the polls.

With fewer than 40 days left, he said, the focus had shifted from comprehensive planning to short-term tactical execution.

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