NCP follows 'go alone' policy amid BNP seat snub

After the National Citizen Party (NCP) abandoned plans for its own alliance, speculation of a coalition with BNP faded following the BNP's recent announcement of additional candidates for the national elections.

Nasiruddin Patwary, chief coordinator of the NCP, in a Facebook post on Tuesday hinted at a moderate-centre alliance with BNP to counter the "authoritarian politics of Mujibism and Maududism".

He wrote that no single party can combat the authoritarian politics of "Mujibism and Maududism" alone. He wrote that a "responsible alliance" between BNP and NCP is needed.

Then on Thursday, the BNP announced candidates for an additional 36 constituencies on top of its earlier declared 237 candidates. Many of these constituencies overlap with seats expected to be contested by senior NCP leaders.

With little room for compromise for an alliance, NCP leaders said they are now moving forward independently, but have not stopped considering alliances or holding discussions.

Convener Nahid Islam told the media yesterday that the NCP has not reached any formal or informal agreement with anyone.

"The public wants new possibilities and new leadership, and NCP is moving forward independently to pursue that politics," he said, adding that they are preparing for the elections on their own.

"We want to advance our political agenda. We are not interested in forming an alliance; rather, a third-alliance process is ongoing," he said.

However, Nahid also noted that the party has not stopped considering alliances or holding discussions. "Any political decision must be taken in view of the circumstances." 

He added, "If a decision is required to protect the interests of the people, we are open to it. But at present, we are not engaged in any alliance talks and are focused on our own preparations."

Regarding NCP's policy now, the party's senior joint convener Samantha Sharmin yesterday told The Business Standard that they are not currently discussing alliances with major parties.

"Our focus is on selecting candidates for 300 constituencies. Initial nominations for 100-150 seats will be announced soon," she said. 

She added that there are ideological differences with BNP and Jamaat on reforms, adding that any alliance would depend on their policy adjustments. She said that NCP is currently following a "go alone" strategy.

BNP alliance still possible

Several NCP leaders indicate that the party could ultimately form an alliance with the BNP. In that case, NCP leaders are optimistic that BNP might adjust its final candidate list after the alliance is formalised.

Joint convener Sarwar Tushar told TBS that discussions with all parties are ongoing. 

"BNP may have already announced candidates for some constituencies, but if an alliance is reached, seat adjustments could be made and candidate lists revised," he said.

Earlier, north region Chief Organiser Sarjis Alam said talks with various political parties are still underway. 

"The path for an alliance remains open with those supporting reforms, July aspirations, anti-Indian influence policies, and politics promoting Muslim sentiment and communal harmony," he added.

Sarjis expressed hope for a swift resolution, noting that while there had been plans to announce an alliance earlier, its framework and scale needed to be expanded. 

"We hope a larger alliance will be announced soon," Sarjis added.

BNP's overlapping candidates

Earlier, it was expected that senior NCP leaders would not face BNP nominees in their constituencies. However, on 3 November, BNP announced candidates for 237 seats, including several that overlap where NCP leaders are expected to contest.

For instance, Convener Nahid Islam (Dhaka-11), Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain (Rangpur-4), south region Chief Organiser Hasnat Abdullah (Cumilla-4), north region Chief Organiser Sarjis Alam (Panchagarh-1), and Senior Joint Chief Coordinator Abdul Hannan Masud (Noakhali-6).

BNP's second-phase nominations, announced on Thursday included key constituencies overlaps with NCP leaders to contest, such as Dhaka-7, Dhaka-9, Dhaka-10, and Dhaka-18. 

NCP Senior Joint Member Secretary Tasnim Jara will contest Dhaka-9, while Patwary will run in Dhaka-18. Dhaka-10, initially left vacant for interim government Adviser Asif Mahmud, was assigned to BNP nominee Sheikh Robiul Alam in the second phase, though Asif has not clarified his candidacy.

While announcing the candidate list, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the remaining seats have been kept aside for our alliances after discussions. "The possibility of changes in the declared constituencies is very low."