Sarjis Alam Declared “Unwelcome” in Rajshahi Amid Party Rift

A fresh political controversy has emerged within the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) following the declaration of its Chief Organiser for the northern region, Sarjis Alam, as “unwelcome” in Rajshahi. The announcement has intensified internal divisions within the party and drawn renewed attention to allegations of factionalism and controversial leadership decisions at the district level.

The declaration was made late on Friday night, 5 December, through a Facebook post by Motaleb Hossain, former joint convener of the Rajshahi district unit of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and a former member of the NCP’s district coordination committee. In his post, Motaleb Hossain stated that the decision to label Sarjis Alam as unwelcome was taken out of frustration over what he described as the party leadership’s failure to take disciplinary action against Saiful Islam, the current convener of the NCP’s Rajshahi district unit.

According to Motaleb Hossain, the central leadership of the NCP announced the Rajshahi district committee on 29 November, appointing Saiful Islam as district convener. Almost immediately after this announcement, a section of party activists and supporters began protesting the decision, branding Saiful Islam an “ally of the Awami League” — an allegation that carries significant political weight in the current climate. Protesters argue that such an appointment undermines the party’s stated commitment to political reform and accountability.

In his Facebook statement, Motaleb Hossain alleged that Saiful Islam was brought into the NCP and elevated to his current position by Rajshahi divisional organiser Imran Iman. He further claimed that Sarjis Alam maintains a close personal and political relationship with Imran Iman. Despite repeated complaints and warnings raised by local leaders and activists, Motaleb alleged that Sarjis Alam failed to take any corrective measures.

“Even after being informed multiple times, Sarjis Alam took no action,” Motaleb wrote, adding that this silence and inaction suggested complicity. “If he was not involved, he would have acted decisively. His failure to do so raises serious questions about his role.”

The declaration of Sarjis Alam as unwelcome reflects growing discontent among grassroots organisers, who accuse the party’s regional leadership of ignoring local concerns and imposing controversial figures without proper consultation. Observers note that this episode highlights broader organisational challenges facing the NCP, particularly as it attempts to expand its presence while maintaining internal unity and public credibility.

The unfolding dispute has not yet been met with an official response from Sarjis Alam or the central leadership of the NCP. However, political analysts warn that prolonged silence may further inflame tensions and risk damaging the party’s image ahead of future political engagements.

Key Events at a Glance

As internal pressure mounts, the NCP now faces a critical test: whether it can address allegations transparently and restore confidence among its grassroots supporters, or allow factional disputes to erode its organisational cohesion.