Bangladesh’s Student-Led Party Faces Backlash After Alliance With Islamist Group

Post by : Saif

Bangladesh’s political landscape is changing again as a student-led party prepares for the country’s next national election. The National Citizen Party, also known as the NCP, has announced an electoral alliance with the Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami. This decision has sparked debate, anger, and resignations within the party, showing how difficult it is to turn protest movements into stable political power.

The NCP was formed after mass student protests helped remove former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from power. From the beginning, the party presented itself as a new and clean option in politics. Its leaders said they wanted to end nepotism, corruption, and the long-standing dominance of two major parties. Many young people and professionals supported the NCP because they believed it stood for reform and moderation.

As the February parliamentary election draws closer, the party is struggling to gain enough public support. Surveys show that the NCP is far behind its rivals in popularity. In this situation, party leaders decided to join forces with Jamaat-e-Islami, a party with a small but loyal voter base. NCP chief Nahid Islam said the alliance was needed for unity in a divided political environment and that final candidate names would be announced soon.

However, the alliance has caused serious problems inside the NCP. Jamaat-e-Islami remains controversial in Bangladesh. The party has been criticized for opposing the country’s independence from Pakistan in 1971 and for alleged involvement in war crimes during that time. Because of this history, Jamaat has faced years of trials, leadership bans, and political isolation.

Many NCP members believe working with Jamaat goes against the party’s founding values. Tasnim Jara, a senior leader and doctor who left her job in Britain to join the NCP, resigned in protest. She announced she would run as an independent candidate instead. Other members have also quit, showing deep divisions within the party.

Criticism is not limited to party insiders. Some supporters say the alliance has destroyed their trust. University students who once backed the NCP now say the party has lost its moral direction. They feel that joining hands with Jamaat weakens the promise of a fresh and reform-focused political movement.

At the same time, Bangladesh’s older political forces are regaining strength. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party, or BNP, linked to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, is gaining momentum again. Its acting leader, Tarique Rahman, recently returned after nearly 17 years in exile. Opinion polls place the BNP in the lead, followed by Jamaat-e-Islami, with the NCP far behind.

The February 12 election will be held under an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. His administration is seen as key to restoring stability after nearly two years of political unrest. Many voters are watching closely to see whether new political players can bring real change or whether old alliances will continue to dominate.

Political experts warn that while the alliance with Jamaat may help the NCP in the short term, it could harm the party’s future. By compromising its original ideals, the NCP risks losing the very supporters who believed it could transform Bangladesh’s politics.

This moment is a test for the student-led party. Its choices now will decide whether it becomes a lasting political force or fades as another movement unable to survive the hard realities of electoral politics.

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