Bangladesh Election Shake-Up as NCP Forms Alliance With Jamaat-e-Islami

The National Citizen Party has formed an alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami ahead of Bangladesh’s February 12 election. The move comes as the young party faces internal conflict and public scrutiny. Several senior leaders quit after the decision. The alliance has already reshaped the political mood across the country.According to Reuters, the NCP was formed this year by youth leaders who rose during the July 2024 uprising. The group had presented itself as a fresh democratic force. Now its alliance with Jamaat has raised questions about its direction and motives.

Bangladesh Election Alliance Sparks Debate

The NCP and Jamaat alliance has been called a major shift in Bangladesh politics. The two groups have very different ideologies. Jamaat has long faced criticism for its past role during the 1971 war. The NCP had claimed to push for democratic reform.Many NCP leaders rejected the alliance. Some resigned from the party. The most notable exit came from Mahfuz Alam, a key figure in last year’s movement. Another leader, Tasnim Jara, also left and will run as an independent candidate.Reuters reported that NCP support was low in recent opinion polls. The group stood at only 6 percent. BNP held 30 percent support, while Jamaat had 26 percent. The alliance may help NCP gain visibility, but it has also hurt its internal unity.Jamaat is contesting national elections again for the first time since 2013. The interim government lifted restrictions on the group in August 2024. This allowed Jamaat to re-enter the political field after years of legal disputes.

Impact on Students, Politics, and Future Power

Students played a major role in Bangladesh’s recent political shifts. Their protests in 2024 began over the quota system. The unrest grew after a court reinstated old rules. Violence spread, and the movement turned into a larger call for reform.The unrest eventually led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5. The Awami League was later banned. Hasina now faces a death sentence issued by the International Crimes Tribunal. She remains in India and has not returned to Bangladesh.BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has returned home after 17 years abroad. He filed his nomination papers this week. His comeback adds more pressure to the campaign season.Experts say the election could shift regional ties. Bangladesh has strong links with India. According to analysts quoted in Indian media, no new government can ignore India’s influence. But stronger ties with China could also emerge if political power changes in Dhaka.

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The Bangladesh election alliance has now become a central issue in the campaign. The NCP hopes the move will boost its reach. But the backlash shows the road ahead may not be easy. The main keyword “Bangladesh election” will remain the focus as the vote nears.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the Bangladesh election alliance?

The alliance is a deal between the NCP and Jamaat-e-Islami. It was formed before the February 12 election. It aims to increase their political strength.

Q2: Why did some NCP leaders resign?

They said the alliance went against the party’s ideals. They felt Jamaat’s past made the deal unacceptable. Some will now run as independent candidates.

Q3: How strong is the NCP in polls?

According to Reuters, the NCP stands at around 6 percent. BNP leads with 30 percent. Jamaat holds about 26 percent.

Q4: Why is Jamaat controversial?

Jamaat faced criticism for its role in 1971. It was banned from elections in 2013. The interim government lifted the ban in 2024.

Q5: What sparked the 2024 uprising?

The protests began over the civil service quota system. It grew due to anger over corruption and governance. The unrest led to the fall of the Hasina government.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, Associated Press, BBC News, Indian Express