Arshadul Haque resigns from NCP, cites failure to uphold reform promises

Central joint member secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP), Mir Arshadul Haque, has announced his resignation from the party, citing what he described as its failure to uphold the promise of political reform and a new democratic order.

In a Facebook post this morning (25 December), Arshadul said he was withdrawing from all posts and responsibilities within the NCP with immediate effect. He also confirmed that he will not contest the upcoming parliamentary election from Chattogram-16 (Banshkhali) constituency as an NCP candidate.

Arshadul held several key positions in the party, including executive council member, member of the media cell and discipline committee, head of the environment cell, and chief coordinator of NCP's Chattogram metropolitan unit.

Announcing his decision on what he termed a "special day," Arshadul noted that it coincided with the return of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to the country after 17 years in exile, welcoming his return in the same post.

In his statement, Arshadul said the NCP had begun its journey with the promise of a new political settlement inspired by the July mass uprising. However, based on his experience over the past 10 months since the party's formation, he concluded that the party and its leadership had "completely failed" to honour that commitment.

"The dream and potential that led me to join the NCP no longer exist," he wrote, adding that he believes the party and a significant section of its leadership are moving in the wrong direction. "I cannot walk that path," he said, while noting that although his political relationship with the party has ended, personal relations would remain.

Reflecting on the fall of what he termed an "autocratic regime" on 5 August 2024, Arshadul said he had hoped for a new Bangladesh grounded in human rights and dignity. Instead, he expressed disappointment that even after the deaths of more than 1,400 people and thousands injured during the July uprising, a peaceful and just Bangladesh had yet to materialise, adding that the NCP had also failed in this regard.

He further warned of growing instability, social divisions created through the misuse of religion, and renewed controversies surrounding the Liberation War, alleging that vested groups were pushing the country towards an uncertain future. According to him, the most urgent need now is a transition to democracy and the restoration of political stability.

Arshadul also argued for organising and strengthening politically conscious, progressive young leadership and Bangladesh-focused political forces to address future challenges.

Arshadul said his foremost priority had always been the interests of Bangladesh and its people. In the current political context, he said he sees no alternative to the BNP and its alliance forming the next government through a majority victory under the leadership of Tarique Rahman.

Based on his personal assessment of Tarique Rahman's activities and statements since the July uprising, Arshadul said he believes the BNP leader has the capacity to provide inclusive leadership at this moment. He also praised what he described as Tarique Rahman's "clear vision" on issues such as health, education, environment, culture and employment, contrasting it with what he termed the reliance of other parties on religion and populism.

Calling on young people to avoid being swayed by populism or temporary hype, Arshadul urged them to consider the country's long-term interests and support what he described as Tarique Rahman's welfare-oriented vision.