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National Citizen Party allies with Jamaat-e-Islami ahead of pivotal election

Dec 29, 2025, 1:10 AM20
(Update: Dec 31, 2025, 6:29 PM)
country in South Asia

National Citizen Party allies with Jamaat-e-Islami ahead of pivotal election

  • The National Citizen Party announced an electoral alliance with Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami for the upcoming parliamentary elections.
  • The partnership has caused internal conflicts within the NCP, leading to resignations from party members including a prominent leader.
  • This alliance may influence the political landscape in Bangladesh but risks undermining the NCP's founding principles.
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In Bangladesh, the National Citizen Party (NCP) formed an alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami ahead of the February parliamentary elections. The NCP, established during a protest movement that led to the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, is seen as a centrist alternative in a politically fragmented environment. NCP leader Nahid Islam announced the alliance on December 28, aiming for greater unity, despite internal dissent amongst party members, some of whom feel that this partnership compromises the party’s founding principles. Following this announcement, Dr. Tasnim Jara resigned from her leadership role and declared her intention to run as an independent candidate. Jamaat-e-Islami, once banned from elections due to its controversial history, is attempting a political comeback after having its restrictions lifted in August 2024. With Jamaat expected to secure a significant number of votes, party president Shafiqur Rahman expressed willingness to collaborate with other parties for a unity government post-election, emphasizing anti-corruption as a critical unifying agenda. Opinion polls indicate that Jamaat could be a strong competitor against the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which leads in support. Tensions regarding political allegiances are heightened as inter-party dynamics evolve following the change in leadership after Hasina's ouster. The resurgence of Jamaat, a party that has faced years of criticism for its historical positions, signifies a major shift in Bangladesh's political landscape. This repositioning of alliances reflects ongoing struggles to maintain stability in governance. The NCP's strategy, while innovative, may risk alienating its base who may not align with Jamaat's past, thus complicating long-term aspirations for dominance in politics. As the election approaches, the impact of these alliances on voter sentiments remains to be seen. In the backdrop of changing political relationships, the outlook for the future of Bangladeshi politics is shifting towards potential collaborations among previously adversarial entities, aiming for a stable administration moving forward. The integrity of these alliances will be tested in the electoral process, as parties like Jamaat seek to redefine their public image and strategic importance amidst ongoing national challenges.

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