NCP Faces Internal Turmoil Over Jamaat Alliance: Samanta Sharmin Warns of Heavy Price

Samanta Sharmin, Senior Joint Convenor of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), has voiced a firm objection to any electoral alliance or seat-sharing arrangement with Jamaat-e-Islami, warning that such a move would come at a heavy cost to her party.

Speaking amid growing internal dissent within the NCP, Sharmin posted her views on Facebook on Sunday morning, emphasising her principled stance. She stated:

“Jamaat-e-Islami is not a reliable political partner in Bangladesh. Any collaboration or seat-sharing arrangement with them, given their political ideology and past record, would force the NCP to pay a very heavy price.”

The warning comes at a sensitive time for the NCP, a party founded by young activists who rose to prominence following the July political upheaval. The party has been preparing for participation in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, and discussions over a potential seat-sharing deal with Jamaat-e-Islami had reportedly reached an advanced stage.

However, the proposed alliance has provoked dissent within the party. In protest, three prominent leaders—Tasnim Zara, Taznuva Jabin, and Mir Arshadul Haq—have resigned. Notably, all three were included in NCP’s previously announced 125-seat candidate list. In addition, 30 senior party leaders submitted a memorandum to NCP Convenor Nahid Islam, expressing principled objections to the potential alliance and urging adherence to party ideology.

Political analysts note that the internal strife reflects a larger debate within emerging parties in Bangladesh about the trade-off between political pragmatism and ideological integrity. Samanta Sharmin’s intervention underscores the tension between maintaining party values and forming strategic alliances in a highly competitive political environment.

The NCP leadership now faces the challenge of reconciling internal disagreements while finalising its electoral strategy. Observers suggest that any compromise perceived as ideological betrayal could risk further resignations and erode the party’s credibility ahead of the general election.

NCP Internal Dispute: Key Facts :

This development highlights the internal tensions in the NCP as it navigates strategic alliances ahead of the upcoming general election. Sharmin’s warning suggests that ideological considerations remain a critical factor in party decision-making, and that missteps could have significant political repercussions.