Nusrat Tabassum Quits Party Activities Citing Grassroots Betrayal

The National Civic Party (NCP) has been struck by a high-profile internal crisis as Joint Convenor Nusrat Tabassum announced her immediate withdrawal from all party activities. The prominent leader’s decision follows the NCP’s controversial move to join a 10-party electoral alliance that includes Jamaat-e-Islami. In a scathing rebuke posted to her verified Facebook account on Sunday night, 28th December, Tabassum characterised the leadership’s shift as a “betrayal” of the party’s grassroots supporters and its founding ideological pillars.

Tabassum’s resignation from active duty marks a significant blow to the NCP’s image as a progressive, centrist force. In her emotional statement, she recalled the idealistic beginnings of the party, noting that the NCP was established on the promises of balanced democratic practice, a “new settlement,” and a uniquely “Bangladesh-centric” political philosophy. She emphasised that these inclusive and civilisational values were not merely slogans but were the very essence of her political identity. According to her, the NCP’s literature and manifesto originally reflected a vision for a moderate and inclusive society—a vision she believes has now been compromised.

The crux of the dispute lies in the NCP’s recent strategic pivot towards a 10-party coalition. Tabassum argued that by entering into this alliance under various conditional terms, the senior leadership and policymakers have deviated from the party’s core principles. She specifically highlighted the repeated public assurances made by the party’s Convenor and other top officials regarding their intention to contest all 300 parliamentary seats independently. The sudden shift to an alliance, she contends, has left grassroots members and aspiring candidates who had already sought nominations feeling deceived and abandoned.

Breakdown of Nusrat Tabassum’s Grievances

As the election season intensifies, Tabassum has clarified that she is “deactivating” herself from all organisational responsibilities for the duration of the polling period. This tactical withdrawal serves as a formal protest, with the leader indicating that a final, permanent decision regarding her membership will depend on whether the party leadership chooses to reconsider its current trajectory. The move has sent ripples through the NCP’s rank and file, raising urgent questions about the party’s internal unity and its ability to maintain its “centrist” branding while tethered to more traditionalist political entities.