NCP eyes bigger role after bagging 6 seats in debut

Amid doubts over its political future and alliance choices, the youth-led National Citizen Party (NCP) has made an eye-catching debut, winning six seats in its first parliamentary election.

Calling the results proof of voter trust in the party, NCP leaders pledged to pursue what they called “action-oriented politics” inside and outside parliament.

The party contested 30 constituencies under the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance in the 13th parliamentary election and won six seats, according to unofficial results. The party also claimed it received 21 lakh votes nationwide.

Party convener Nahid Islam won Dhaka-11 with 93,872 votes, defeating BNP candidate MA Quayum, who secured 91,833, according to preliminary results.

Member secretary Akhter Hossen won Rangpur-4, while south organiser Hasnat Abdullah won Cumilla-4. Senior joint convener Hannan Masud won Noakhali-6, joint member secretary Abdullah Al Amin won Narayanganj-4, and joint convener Atiq Mujahid won Kurigram-2, according to the party’s preliminary tallies.

Despite the victories, NCP leaders said they had fallen short of expectations and indicated they would review results in constituencies where doubts were raised over the voting process.

Asked whether the outcome was encouraging, Abdullah said, “The NCP did not get all the seats we expected. We do not think the election was fully free and fair in some constituencies. Questions have arisen in many places, and our analysis is ongoing.”

He said the party would issue an official statement to clarify its position. “We think the NCP should have won a few more seats, but we are analysing the overall situation. Let’s see what happens.”

Abdullah said the party would now operate as an opposition force. “As an opposition party, the NCP will play a leading role in constructive reforms and improving the political environment.”

“In the next five years, the NCP will become Bangladesh’s main party,” he added.

FROM JULY UPRISING TO PARLIAMENT

The party, which has its roots in the July 2024 uprising, spearheaded the student-led movement under the banner Students Against Discrimination.

After the uprising toppled the then government, several key figures from that platform took part in initial discussions on forming the interim government’s advisory council. Two student leaders -- Nahid and Asif Mahmud -- later joined the council as advisers.

Nahid resigned from the interim government in February 2025 to help launch the new party. They aimed for an alternative to traditional party structures and promised a “Second Republic” alongside far-reaching constitutional and governance reforms.

To create a national footprint, the NCP travelled across the country as part of what it described as the “July Podojatra”, which party leaders said helped generate momentum and expand its base.

As it moved from street politics to electoral contests, questions emerged over whether protest mobilisation would translate into votes.

In late December, the party signalled it would join the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance, a move that drew widespread criticism. It later joined the alliance and secured 30 constituencies to contest.

The decision triggered backlash among sections of its support base and fuelled internal divisions, with senior figures resigning or going inactive. At least 19 leaders resigned, including the party’s joint member secretary Mir Arshadul Haque, opposing the decision to join hands with Jamaat.

Other leaders who resigned included senior member secretary Tasnim Jara, joint member secretary Arif Sohel, and media cell chief Mushfiq Us Salehin. A few leaders, including senior joint convener Samantha Sharmeen, also became inactive during the election period, according to party insiders.

Following the resignations, the party attempted to reorganise several of its policy and activity wings. Party insiders said the effort gained momentum after Asif joined the NCP as spokesperson, resigning from his role as adviser.

In a comparatively peaceful election, the NCP ultimately secured six seats, giving the party a modest but significant entry into parliament.

NCP insiders yesterday said the party is now planning a post-election restructuring, including outreach to those who resigned, as it seeks to consolidate its position and define its role as a parliamentary opposition.