Mursalin quits NCP over 'ideological rift'

Khan Muhammad Mursalin, joint chief coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP), resigned from the party today (1 January), citing ideological differences and disillusionment over its political direction.

Mursalin announced the decision in a Facebook post this afternoon, saying he stepped down from all posts and responsibilities of the NCP with immediate effect.

"I am Khan Muhammad Mursalin. After serving as the central joint chief coordinator of the National Citizen Party, I have decided to resign from all positions and responsibilities of the NCP from today," he wrote.

He, however, made it clear that he is not quitting politics. "I am resigning from the NCP, not from politics. We will meet again on the streets".

In a subsequent video message, Mursalin said he joined the NCP after the 2024 mass uprising as the party spoke of the need for a new political order, a new constitution and a break from the colonial legacy—aspirations he felt aligned with his own struggle.

"I considered them my fellow travellers and comrades. That hope and aspiration led me to join the NCP," he said, alleging that the party later failed to empower the core forces of the uprising, particularly working class people who, according to him, made the greatest sacrifices.

"The workers who gave the most lives in the uprising could not be brought to the centre of power, nor could they be built up as a political constituency," Mursalin claimed.

He further alleged that women—mothers and sisters who marched with the bodies of their brothers – have since become the most marginalised and were deliberately pushed out of the spotlight.

Mursalin said the NCP has failed to fulfil the aspirations of students and the masses that emerged from the uprising. "The current path of the NCP and the path of our mass political movement have now diverged in two different directions."

Following the NCP's decision to join an alliance with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and like-minded parties, around 10 leaders and activists have reportedly resigned from the party so far due to ideological disagreements. Among them are central leaders Tasnim Jara and Tajnuva Jabeen.

Several others, though not resigning, have withdrawn from electoral politics. Monira Sharmin has announced she will not contest the election, while NCP leader Nusrat Tabassum said she will remain inactive during the election period.

Meanwhile, the NCP leadership has said the alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami was formed to ensure broader unity ahead of the 13th national election and a proposed referendum.

Party leaders said the move is an electoral arrangement, not an ideological compromise.