A youth-led political party in Bangladesh is facing strong internal opposition after forming an election alliance with the Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami. Analysts say the move could damage the party’s future and strengthen traditional political forces.
At least 30 senior leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP) have openly opposed the alliance, announced on Sunday, and several have resigned in protest. Bangladesh is set to hold general elections on February 12.
Before the alliance, opinion polls showed Jamaat-e-Islami likely to finish second behind the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), while the NCP was expected to come third.
The NCP was formed earlier this year by leaders of the 2024 mass protests that removed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from power. Led mainly by young activists, the party claims it wants to end decades of political dominance by the Awami League and BNP and bring a new political culture.
Analysts say the alliance has put the NCP’s identity at risk. One academic said youth movements fail not just when they lose elections, but when they lose unity and a clear vision.
With the Awami League banned, the election is expected to be mainly between the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. Jamaat was previously barred from elections, but an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus lifted restrictions on the party in August 2024.
NCP leader Nahid Islam defended the alliance, saying it was necessary to prevent violence and protect the election process after the killing of a key protest leader earlier this month. He said the decision was supported by the party majority, though members were free to disagree.
Some leaders resigned, including Tasnim Jara, a doctor who left the UK to join the NCP. She said she would now run as an independent candidate and continue working for political reform.
Political analysts warned that the alliance would mainly benefit Jamaat-e-Islami and weaken the NCP. One analyst said the party’s centrist and reformist identity could disappear entirely if it continues on this path
