Thirteen Senior NCP Leaders Resign Amid Internal Turmoil

In a significant political development, thirteen senior leaders of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) from Habiganj district have resigned, citing allegations of factionalism, mismanagement, and marginalisation of the July Freedom Fighters within the party. Among the resigning leaders is the party’s Senior Joint Secretary for Habiganj, Palash Mahmud.

The resignations were formally announced at an urgent press conference held on Wednesday night (28 January) at the party’s temporary office in the Bebistand area of Habiganj town. The leaders accused certain factions within the party of rehabilitating pro-fascist elements during district-level committee formations while deliberately sidelining the July Freedom Fighters, who had been instrumental in grassroots political mobilisation.

Speaking at the press conference, Palash Mahmud stated that although the NCP was founded with the aim of pursuing moderate and centrist politics, the central committee has deviated from this vision. “Within two months, the committee aligned itself with two separate alliances, betraying the party’s foundational stance. Corruption allegations have also been raised against advisors and leaders across various levels,” he said. Concerns were also expressed over candidate nominations, with reports that grassroots activists are reluctant to campaign for certain nominated candidates.

The resigning leaders further criticised the district committee for creating a loyalist faction at the expense of committed grassroots leaders who had participated in the July Movement. The committee was accused of failing to carry out basic organisational functions effectively, undermining the party’s credibility in Habiganj and surrounding districts.

The full list of resigning leaders is as follows:

Palash Mahmud confirmed that the resignation letters have already been forwarded to the central committee via the district office. When asked about joining another political party, he said the decision stemmed from disillusionment. “At present, I do not see any party in Bangladesh genuinely committed to centrist politics. If the NCP corrects its mistakes or if a new moderate party emerges representing the spirit of both 1971 and the 24th [referring to political events], I would consider joining. Otherwise, I will remain a concerned citizen,” he added.

The mass resignation underscores growing dissatisfaction within the NCP’s district units and highlights ongoing challenges for moderate political forces in maintaining internal cohesion while striving for principled politics in Bangladesh.