NCP plans separate alliance beyond Jamaat, BNP

Highlights

• AB Party, Gana Adhikar Parishad, Ganatantra Mancha could be in the alliance
• NCP met with these parties recently to discuss July Charter, upcoming elections
• Last month, NCP 'withdrew' from a programme launched by Jamaat, 6 other parties
• BNP's stance on key NCP agendas different, including 'Second Republic' demand

The student-led National Citizen Party (NCP) is planning a new political alliance beyond Jamaat and BNP, although Jamaat has so far extended full support to NCP programmes, according to party sources.

Before and after the formation of the NCP, Jamaat-e-Islami actively supported and took part in various political programmes it launched, such as the president's removal, the July Charter and Declaration, and the call to ban the Awami League. 

Jamaat also backed NCP's new constitution and its demand for a 'Second Republic'. The BNP, however, took a different stance on these issues.

But according to leaders and activists of the eight-month-old party, while they will keep good relations with Jamaat, the two parties will maintain distance over Jamaat's method of implementing the July Charter and its demand for proportional representation (PR) in the lower house. At the same time, a new alliance led by NCP – separate from the BNP and Jamaat – is in the works.

On 18 September, NCP, Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party) and Gana Adhikar Parishad held an informal meeting with the Ganatantra Mancha, where they discussed the July Charter and the upcoming election.

Earlier, on 14 September, Jamaat-e-Islami and six other parties, including Islami Andolan, announced a joint programme with five demands, including the introduction of proportional representation. NCP was initially expected to join the programme but later withdrew.

Speaking to The Business Standard, Ariful Islam Adib, senior joint convener of NCP, said, "At times, our reform agenda has brought us close to different political parties. Jamaat has its own politics, and we have ours. We feel a sense of proximity with all political forces who fought fascism. The idea of maintaining a separate 'good relationship' with Jamaat is not quite accurate."

Regarding Jamaat's current movement, he said, "Jamaat held discussions with us about a joint movement. But we do not support PR in the lower house. Moreover, we have proposed a new constitution through a Constituent Assembly to implement the July Charter, while Jamaat is talking about a constitutional order. They have also backed away from their earlier demand for a referendum. That's why our separate programmes on constitutional reform are already underway nationwide."

He added, "We still share common ground with Jamaat on issues like justice and reform. There could be opportunities for collaboration in those areas."

Hinting at a distinct alliance led by young leaders ahead of the next election, Adib said, "Beyond BNP and Jamaat, we have already held initial talks with several parties, including the Ganatantra Mancha, AB Party and Gana Adhikar Parishad. These discussions will continue based on the July Charter as we approach the election."

Earlier, on 19 September, NCP Convener Nahid Islam said the National Citizen Party is not part of the joint movement led by Jamaat-e-Islami. "We are not participating because we do not support PR in the lower house. We have taken a stand against it," he said.

At an NCP coordination meeting, Nahid added, "At this moment, we are not considering any coalition with major political parties. The Citizen Party will move forward with an independent political objective and unite the people."

Commenting on Jamaat's demand that the July Charter must be given legal basis through a constitutional order, and the election must be held accordingly, NCP Joint Convener Javed Rasin said, "They want implementation of the Charter under this government. The best way to do that is through a Constituent Assembly, which can function as a regular parliament as well."

Meanwhile, Jamaat Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Parwar told The Business Standard, "Formal and informal discussions with different parties are ongoing regarding the implementation process of the July Charter and other issues. We have announced a second round of joint programmes with other parties to strengthen our movement for PR. Hopefully, the outcome will be positive."

On electoral alliances, ongoing movements and political relations with NCP, he said, "We have talked with them as well. There is still time before the election schedule is announced. Further discussions may take place. As the election nears, different equations and polarisation are bound to emerge. We have to wait and see."

Commenting on the shifting alliances and political realignments, Professor Dilara Chowdhury of Jahangirnagar University told The Business Standard, "The election schedule has not been announced yet. Various kinds of polarisation will occur before that. Every party will act strategically to preserve its position. Smaller parties like NCP will try to assess whether aligning with Jamaat or BNP serves their political interests better, while major parties will decide which alliances would benefit them most."

She added, "It's too early to draw final conclusions. As the political and overall situation evolves and the election draws closer, these equations will continue to change."