Maulana Bhashani’s grandson has now announced his departure from the NCP

The wave of resignations from the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) continues, with one of its prominent leaders, Azad Khan Bhasani, grandson of the revered political figure Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani, formally announcing his departure. Azad Khan, who served as the chief coordinator of the party’s farmers’ wing, made the announcement via a Facebook post on Sunday night, 28 December.

In his statement, Azad Khan explained that he had joined the NCP with high hopes and aspirations during the July mass uprising, inspired by the leadership of young activists striving to continue the unfinished struggle of the nation’s Liberation War. “From the very beginning, I considered the July uprising a continuation of the Liberation War, a fight against fifty-two years of entrenched inequality, exploitation, and deprivation. My motivation was to contribute to building a new Bangladesh grounded in justice and equity,” he wrote.

Azad Khan added that his political journey was initially inspired by the mass-oriented, anti-imperialist, and egalitarian ideals championed by his grandfather. This led him first to the National Citizens’ Committee and subsequently to the NCP, where he eventually assumed leadership of the farmers’ wing.

However, he expressed disappointment with the party’s current trajectory. “Regrettably, I have observed a lack of the deep commitment, empathy, and sacrifice for the people that the historic responsibility of building a new Bangladesh demands. Efforts to establish a new political framework and independent identity have not yielded the expected results,” he noted.

Azad Khan clarified that despite being less actively involved in recent months, he had continued to wish for the party’s success. “Nevertheless, at this juncture, upholding the ideals of the Liberation War, the July uprising, and my grandfather’s political legacy has become paramount. It is in adherence to these responsibilities and ideals that I am formally severing ties with the NCP,” he stated.

He concluded with a message of goodwill: “If my brief tenure caused anyone distress, I seek forgiveness. I extend my best wishes to the young activists of the party, hoping they find the right path in their struggle to build a people-centred state.”

Azad Khan’s resignation follows a series of departures in recent weeks. A brief overview of key resignations is shown below:

Earlier, on 6 September, Azad Khan had been appointed chief coordinator of the farmers’ wing during the preparation committee announcement approved by NCP’s chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari.

The recent exodus underscores internal dissatisfaction within the party, primarily related to the controversial alliance with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, which has triggered criticism and resignations from several senior members.