NCP, Gono Odhikar Parishad to integrate

A new equation is emerging in the political arena ahead of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election. Besides the major alliances, initiatives are underway to build alternative political strength to secure favourable positions in  electoral field. As part of this, the two youth-led political parties — National Citizen Party (NCP) and Gono Odhikar Parishad — are in discussions to integrate.

Senior leaders of the two parties have confirmed the matter to the media.

Political circles believe that if they integrate, this alliance could attract a significant number of young voters and be able to exert influence in the national election.

In particular, the ideals and organisational bases of both parties are largely similar, following the continuity of organisations that emerged around the 2018 quota-reform movement.

Sarjis Alam, Chief Organiser (Northern) of NCP, said discussions are underway on what the structure would be, who would be Convenor, and who would be Member-Secretary if the two parties integrate. “We want to stand united before the people for the sake of Bangladesh,” he said.

Rashed Khan, General Secretary of Gono Odhikar Parishad, said leaders have already held discussions about integration.

“It is at a positive stage. We are hopeful the youth will be able to work together. Discussions will continue with that aim,” he said.

The Bangladesh General Student Rights Protection Council was born out of the leadership of the 2018 quota reform movement, and it later transformed into the Gono Odhikar Parishad. The party received registration from the Election Commission in 2023.

On the other hand, NCP was formed during the 2024 quota movement by activists of the anti-discrimination student movement. Although the party has not yet received registration, it is continuing efforts to establish its position in the political arena.

Notably, several leaders of NCP were previously associated with the student rights organisation led by Nurul Haque Nur. As a result, ideological closeness and leadership-level ties between the two parties already exist.