Bangladesh's Student Party Makes Surprising Election Move

A student-led party in Bangladesh, which gained prominence after leading protests that ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has formed an unexpected alliance with the Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami party. This move, aimed at strengthening their position ahead of the upcoming February elections, has sparked internal disagreements within the student party, the National Citizen Party (NCP). The NCP, which emerged from last year's protests, has positioned itself as a centrist and reformist alternative to the country's long-standing two-party system. However, as the election approaches, the party is finding it challenging to translate its street protests into actual voter support. Nahid Islam, the leader of the NCP, announced the alliance, stating that it was a step towards greater unity. Other party members have described it as a practical move in a complex political landscape. The alliance has caused a stir because Jamaat-e-Islami has a controversial history. The party has been criticized for opposing Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan and its alleged involvement in war crimes during the 1971 liberation war. Despite years of trials, leadership bans, and political isolation, Jamaat maintains a small but dedicated support base.The decision to ally with Jamaat has led to internal conflicts within the NCP. Tasnim Jara, a prominent party leader who left a career in Britain to join the NCP, resigned in protest and plans to run as an independent candidate. Several other members have also left the party. Critics argue that this alliance undermines the NCP's original principles. A university student, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed disappointment, saying the ideological mismatch has eroded their support for the NCP. Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, is gaining momentum. Tarique Rahman, who recently returned from nearly 17 years in exile, is playing a key role in the party's resurgence. The upcoming election, scheduled for February 12, will be overseen by an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Yunus took charge after Hasina's ouster and is seen as crucial for restoring political stability after two years of turmoil. A recent survey by the U. S. -based International Republican Institute shows the NCP trailing behind, with only 6% support compared to the BNP's 30% and Jamaat's 26%. The alliance might influence voting trends but could also hinder the NCP's long-term ambitions, according to Shakil Ahmed, a professor of government and politics at Jahangirnagar University.