Three Reasons Behind Low Turnout at NCP Rally

Khabor Wala Desk

Published: 4th August 2025, 2:52 PM

Three Reasons Behind Low Turnout at NCP Rally

Photo: Collected

The National Citizen Party’s (NCP) rally held on Sunday afternoon (3 August) at the central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka failed to draw the expected crowd. Despite the party’s claim that the event marked a “new milestone in future politics,” public attendance was notably sparse.

Political analysts attribute the poor turnout to three main factors:

The NCP leaders’ repeated involvement in mob violence and extortion activities,
Their improper conduct and breach of decorum, and
The concurrent large rally held by the BNP’s student wing, Chhatra Dal, on the same day.

Additionally, the party’s nationwide programmes under heavy law enforcement surveillance have eroded public confidence in the NCP.

Reasons for Low Turnout	Details
Mob Violence and Extortion Allegations	Increasing accusations against NCP leaders for involvement in coercion and extortion.
Indecorous Behaviour	Reports of uncivil conduct and conflict-driven mob politics harming party image.
Competing Rally	Simultaneous massive rally by BNP’s Chhatra Dal overshadowed NCP’s event.
Law Enforcement Presence	Heavy police deployment during NCP activities reduced public participation.

Political analyst Aminul Karim commented,
“Claiming to bring political purity while using outdated authoritarian tactics causes people to turn away swiftly. That is exactly what has happened with the NCP.”

On the other hand, NCP leader Mahmudul Haque Moni acknowledged some organisational weaknesses, saying,
“We are striving to bring integrity to politics independently, but we admit there were some organisational lapses. Many supporters attended the Chhatra Dal rally since it was held on the same day.”

However, analysts remain unconvinced. Dr Farhana Sabrin, a teacher and political analyst, stated,
“The NCP’s recent actions reflect not decorum but a culture of conflict and muscle power. Several leaders face extortion charges, and their inflammatory remarks online have repeatedly disappointed the public.”

It is notable that the BNP’s Chhatra Dal organised a large central rally in the capital on the same day, drawing thousands of activists nationwide. Analysts say this event was successful not only organisationally but also in appealing emotionally and politically, which eclipsed other rallies including NCP’s.

The NCP’s media cell has indicated that more programmes are planned. However, the low turnout at the Shaheed Minar rally raises significant doubts about the party’s political prospects and future trajectory.