Rumours swirl over possible NCP-Jamaat alliance

Speculation has emerged over a possible electoral alliance between the National Citizen Party (NCP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami ahead of the upcoming 13th parliamentary elections, following claims made in a Facebook post by Abdul Qader, a former coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement.

In a post made on Thursday, December 25, Abdul Qader alleged that the NCP was preparing to form a direct alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami, describing the move as a “grave for youth politics”. He claimed that such a decision would undermine the hopes and aspirations of party leaders, activists and supporters across the country.

“If everything goes well, the announcement of this alliance may come Friday,” Qader wrote, adding that the NCP could effectively be absorbed into Jamaat through the proposed partnership.

The post sparked fresh debate on social media and in political circles, particularly over potential seat-sharing arrangements between the two parties. Qader further alleged that negotiations had taken place over electoral seats and that an agreement may already be in place.

However, the NCP has not officially confirmed any alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami. 

Speaking to Jago News, NCP Joint Convener Monira Sharmin said, “Discussions are underway with Jamaat. Nothing has been finalised yet. Talks may take place.”

The NCP recently announced the formation of a Democratic Reform Alliance with the AB Party and the Rashtra Sangskar Andolan. 

The party has yet to clarify what would happen to this alliance if it were to formally join forces with Jamaat-e-Islami, or whether discussions with Jamaat are exploratory in nature.

Although Abdul Qader is not formally affiliated with the NCP, many of his close associates from the July Uprising and the anti-discrimination student movement went on to form the party. 

Several top NCP leaders, including Convener Nahid Islam, previously served as coordinators of the same movement. Qader himself contested the vice-president post in the last DUCSU elections as a candidate backed by the NCP-aligned panel.

Qader is known to be close to Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, another former coordinator of the student movement, who recently joined the interim government and is now contesting the upcoming parliamentary elections from the Dhaka-10 constituency as an independent candidate, without joining the NCP.

In his Facebook post, Qader also claimed that the NCP had initially sought 50 seats from Jamaat-e-Islami, with negotiations eventually settling on 30 seats. 

Under the alleged arrangement, he claimed, the NCP would not field candidates in the remaining 270 constituencies.

He further alleged that discussions had taken place regarding future leadership roles, including speculation that Nahid Islam could become prime minister if victorious, or leader of the opposition if not – claims that remain unverified.

The Election Commission has already announced the schedule for the 13th parliamentary elections and a referendum, both set to be held on February 12. 

The NCP has entered the race with the Shapla Kali (water lily bud) symbol and has announced candidates in more than 100 constituencies, while continuing talks with other political parties, according to party sources.

Neither Jamaat-e-Islami nor the NCP leadership has issued an official statement confirming or denying the specific claims made by Abdul Qader.