A new political equation has emerged in Bangladesh’s political arena centering on the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Elections. Behind the scenes, continuous discussions and negotiations are underway to form electoral alliances. At the heart of this shift is the newly formed National Citizens’ Party (NCP), led by young activists who played a key role in the July uprising. Their rise has sparked widespread curiosity and debate across the political spectrum.
Distance from BNP-Jamaat
Although speculation circulated about the NCP possibly joining the BNP-Jamaat alliance, the party has made it clear that it will not take that path. Instead, the NCP has set out to build a distinct coalition by bringing together political forces outside the BNP-Jamaat bloc. Their objective is to form a third force under youthful leadership, positioning the NCP at the center of this new political landscape.
NCP leaders argue that aligning with BNP or Jamaat could endanger their political identity. For this reason, they have intensified communication with parties such as Gono Odhikar Parishad, Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party), Nagorik Oikya, Revolutionary Workers Party, Gono Songhoti Andolon, Vashani Parishad, United Peoples Bangladesh, Inqilab Mancha, among others. Several informal meetings have already taken place, reportedly receiving positive responses. Recently, NCP, AB Party, and Gono Odhikar Parishad also held talks with six parties from the Gono Forum platform.
NCP’s Position
Sarwar Tushar, NCP’s Joint Convener, stated:
“We want to build an independent bloc of centrist, democratic, and pro-Bangladesh forces—with NCP as its focal point.”
Arifur Rahman Tuhin, the party’s Joint Chief Coordinator, added that they remain united on the basis of the July Charter, constitutional reforms, demands for justice for genocide, and parliamentary restructuring—without joining the BNP-Jamaat bloc.
NCP’s Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari further declared:
“We are not joining the BNP-Jamaat alliance. The next parliament will not include Awami League or Jatiya Party. We will fight for all 300 seats, though realistically, we see the possibility of winning at least 150.”
Party Convener Nahid Islam emphasized:
“We do not support BNP or Jamaat. We created this party because no existing political force is fit for the country. Standing on our own feet is our primary goal.”
Views from Analysts
According to Dr. Ainul Islam, Professor of Political Science at Dhaka University, a new political front under young leadership may indeed take shape in Bangladesh. He noted that a global wave of youth-led movements is already reshaping politics worldwide, and Bangladesh is no exception. The July uprising, he argued, clearly reflects this trend:
“If young leadership rises to the forefront, it should not come as a surprise.”
Future Plans
The NCP’s ambition goes beyond the elections. The party is aiming to form alliances for a new constitution, justice for genocide, implementation of the July Charter, and banning the Jatiya Party—seeking fundamental reforms in Bangladesh’s political system. Their strategy includes consolidating a strong presence on the streets well before election day.
Rashed Khan, General Secretary of Gono Odhikar Parishad, remarked:
“We want a new force to emerge in the vacuum created by Awami League’s absence. Talks are ongoing about merging with NCP. The outcome will depend on sincerity and openness from all sides.”
Conclusion
Determined to establish itself as a distinct bloc, the NCP is positioning itself as a youth-led alternative outside the BNP-Jamaat alliance. Both in elections and in movements, this emerging coalition has the potential to significantly reshape Bangladesh’s political dynamics, according to analysts.