TIB says NCP heading towards a suicidal path

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed serious concerns over the trajectory of the National Citizen Party (NCP), describing its current course as “suicidal.” The organization noted that while the formation of the NCP from the anti-discrimination movement was initially seen as a significant political development, the party’s progress has been questionable in many respects.

According to TIB, despite expectations that the NCP would evolve into a political force committed to good governance, transparency, and accountability, the party has been marred by opacity in its funding sources, factionalism, land grabs, extortion, and widespread irregularities.

The remarks came during the launch of a research report titled “New Bangladesh: Observations on Over One Year Since the Fall of the Authoritarian Government,” held at the TIB conference room in Midas Center, Dhaka.

Md. Zulkarnain, Research Fellow at TIB, highlighted growing fears that election reforms and the upcoming polls could be derailed due to deep mistrust and lack of cooperation between the government and political parties concerning election dates, reforms, and the tenure of the interim government. He also pointed out the inflexible stance of political parties opposing prosecution of crimes against humanity.

Zulkarnain further explained that ideological divisions and power struggles within the anti-discrimination student movement have led to fragmentation, resulting in the creation of political groups such as the NCP.

The research report also revealed a trend of political realignment around the upcoming elections, with old alliances breaking apart and new coalitions forming. Since August 5, several new parties have applied for registration ahead of the polls. However, none have passed the Election Commission’s preliminary screening, with many being “name-only” parties. The NCP, too, failed to meet the registration criteria.

TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, along with research fellows Shahjada M Akram and Farhana Rahman, were present at the report launch.