NCP has no future without merging with Jamaat, says resigning leader Irfanul

The National Citizen Party, NCP, has deviated from the spirit of the August 5 movement and now has no political future other than merging with Jamaat-e-Islami, said recently resigned district leader Mohammad Irfanul Haque.

He made the remarks at a press conference held at Bandarban Press Club at 3:30 pm on Monday, January 26, in the presence of several supporters and activists.

Irfanul Haque said he resigned from the NCP in protest against the nomination of a candidate from another district for the Bandarban constituency, calling it a betrayal of the people of Bandarban.

He said by nominating an outsider, the NCP has hurt the self-respect of the district’s people. No previous election had seen an external candidate contesting from Bandarban, and the NCP has now set a negative precedent.

The former NCP leader said elected representatives should come from the concerned area, as outsiders cannot understand the local people’s struggles, problems and emotions.

He added that representing people in a sensitive hill district like Bandarban is impossible without understanding local realities, accusing the NCP of engaging in political theatrics by ignoring this truth.

He claimed the party would pay the price for this decision in the upcoming election and that people would respond through the ballot.

At the press conference, Irfanul Haque openly called on voters to cast ballots for BNP candidate Sachingpru Jery under the sheaf of paddy symbol, saying support for a locally accepted candidate is essential to protect the dignity of Bandarban’s people.

Responding to questions, he said the current NCP leadership has completely abandoned the spirit of the August 2024 mass movement.

He said the NCP is no longer a party of the masses but has turned into a party controlled by a few individuals centred in Bangla Motor, with no regard for grassroots workers, district leadership or local realities.

Making further remarks on the party’s future strategy, Irfanul Haque said the NCP is now trying to survive by aligning itself with Jamaat-e-Islami and that, in reality, it has no alternative path left.

He added that while the attempt would ultimately fail, the party is currently so politically cornered that survival without Jamaat’s shadow has become difficult.

Irfanul Haque said he has resigned from all party posts but has not yet joined the BNP or any other political party.

He said he is not joining any party for now but will remain uncompromising on issues of democracy, local leadership and public dignity.