Maulana Bhashani’s grandson Azad Khan Bhashani 'cuts ties' with NCP
Azad cited NCP’s failure to achieve the expected progress in building a new political arrangement and establishing an independent political identity as the reason behind his decision.
Azad Khan Bhashani, a central leader of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and grandson of legendary political figure Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, has announced that he is formally cutting ties with the party.
Azad made the announcement in a Facebook post in the early hours today (29 December), shortly after NCP entered into an electoral understanding with Jamaat-e-Islami and like-minded parties.
He cited NCP's failure to achieve the expected progress in building a new political arrangement and establishing an independent political identity as the reason behind his decision.
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Azad had served as central organiser for the northern region and as chief coordinator of the NCP's farmers' wing preparation committee.
In his post, Azad wrote that he had initially joined the National Citizens Committee and later the NCP inspired by the people-oriented, anti-imperialist and anti-discrimination political philosophy of his grandfather, Maulana Bhashani. In keeping with that tradition, he said, he had taken responsibility for organising the party's farmers' wing.
However, he expressed "deep regret" over what he described as a lack of commitment within the party to the historic task of building a new Bangladesh, insufficient empathy for the people, and an absence of the level of sacrifice such a political project demands.
He added that the party had also fallen short of expectations in creating a distinct and independent political identity.
Azad said that although he had not been actively involved with the party for some time, he continued to wish it well.
However, citing the historic responsibilities arising from the Liberation War and the July mass uprising, as well as his commitment to Maulana Bhashani's political ideals, he said he had decided to formally end his association with the NCP.
He also asked for forgiveness from anyone who may have been hurt by his brief involvement with the party, wished the young political platform success, and expressed hope that it would eventually find the right path in the struggle to build a people-centred state.
He concluded his message with the slogans "Inquilab Jindabad" and "Long live Maulana Bhashani."
