New Delhi, Dec 29 (IANS): As Bangladesh’s interim government led by Muhammad Yunus prepares to hold national elections on February 12, the political landscape is witnessing rapid realignments amid rising violence and deep internal rifts. The National Citizens Party (NCP), formed by student leaders who spearheaded the movement to oust former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, now appears on the verge of collapse.
Initially aligned closely with Jamaat-e-Islami, the NCP is increasingly divided over its future course. While one faction favours continuing the alliance with Jamaat, another believes aligning with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) could offer better political prospects. A third group has rejected both options and is preparing to contest the elections independently.
Bangladesh watchers say the growing discomfort with Jamaat is rooted in fears that its dominance would push the country closer to Pakistan’s influence. The welcoming of Pakistan’s ISI, relaxed visa norms, and the opening of sea routes with Pakistan are widely viewed as alarming developments. Analysts warn that such moves could turn Bangladesh into a potential terror launch pad against India.
Students who once accused the Sheikh Hasina government of misgovernance now fear that Jamaat’s leadership would worsen conditions, citing economic decline, rising attacks on minorities, persistent violence and attempts to impose Sharia law. Many believe Jamaat’s rise would stall development and erode Bangladesh’s secular foundations.
Tensions deepened after Jamaat reportedly offered the NCP only 30 seats in the 350-member Jatiya Sangsad, despite NCP leaders earlier planning to contest around 125 seats. This sparked anger within the party, with leaders accusing Jamaat of using the NCP merely to remove Hasina from power. The resignation of senior leader Asrhadul Haque further exposed Jamaat’s alleged control over party decisions.
Meanwhile, the BNP remains cautious. Having previously severed ties with Jamaat over ideological differences, it is reluctant to associate with a party perceived as pro-Jamaat. Adding to the turmoil, NCP joint convener Tanjuva Jabeen resigned and announced she would contest independently from Dhaka-9, openly opposing any alliance with Jamaat.
Observers say Jamaat has effectively fragmented the NCP to prevent vote-splitting and secure a direct contest with the BNP. Many experts believe the NCP may cease to exist even before the elections, or be politically finished soon after.
