Although maintaining unity remains difficult, BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizen Party are again stressing the need to stay together to counter the political activities of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina and Awami League.
Despite differences over elections, reforms, the July National Charter and the structure of political power, senior leaders of the three parties say they must maintain at least a minimum level of coordination so that Awami League cannot exploit their divisions to reorganise.
Fresh concern has emerged following clashes among student organisations on university campuses, attacks on the NCP’s July March and differences during programmes marking the second anniversary of the 2024 uprising.
The urgency became more pronounced after Hasina addressed a press conference virtually at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club in Delhi on 5 August, amid her recent political activities.
Campus clashes, central leadership on alert
From late July to early August, disputes broke out among Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Islami Chhatra Shibir and Jatiya Chhatra Shakti on several university campuses over political programmes, dominance and leadership of the July movement.
Clashes involving Chhatra Dal and Shibir at Jagannath University, Dhaka Alia Madrasa and Dhaka College on 4 August drew particular attention. Chhatra Shakti leaders were also attacked in several instances, while tensions had already surfaced at Dhaka and Rajshahi universities.
Party sources said continued clashes could destabilise campus politics and weaken broader political coordination among BNP, Jamaat and NCP. Leaders and activists of student and affiliated organisations were therefore urged to avoid confrontation.
Shibir President Nurul Islam Saddam told TIMES, “After 2024, we wanted coexistence on campuses. But after trouble broke out on several campuses, I personally spoke to the Chhatra Dal high command. They have now realised that if instability is created on campuses, ultimately Chhatra League and fascism may take advantage of it, or they themselves may suffer.”
Chhatra Dal General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir said discussions had been held with different sides after clashes in some places to restore stability.
“It is not that this was done on the advice of BNP high command. We did it out of our commitment and determination to maintain an anti-fascist position,” he said.
Need for unity, but crisis of trust
The biggest challenge for BNP, Jamaat and NCP is balancing the need for unity with competition over political positioning and future power.
Senior leaders say rivalry should not create an opening for Awami League to make a political comeback.
BNP Vice-Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu said, “Chhatra Dal and Shibir are two student organisations that both endured heavy repression by the Chhatra League on campus. While differences have now emerged between them on various issues, it remains entirely natural that they will stand united in future to counter the Awami League.”
Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad told TIMES, “It is clear that Awami League will benefit if instability is created on campuses or in the political arena. Therefore, we are conscious of ensuring that this does not happen.”
NCP Joint Chief Coordinator Arifur Rahman Tuhin said although it was difficult to trust BNP, the parties would remain united over Awami League issue.
“After NCP marchers were attacked, senior BNP leaders assured us their party would not be involved in such incidents. Even so, attacks have occurred time and again,” he said.
Coexistence after clash at Dhaka Alia
Following clashes between Chhatra Dal and Shibir at Dhaka Alia Madrasa on 4 August, BNP lawmaker for Dhaka-7 Hamidur Rahman Hamid and Jamaat lawmaker for Dhaka-5 Kamal Hossain held a meeting with all sides on 9 August.
Shibir leaders and activists returned to the campus on 10 August, while Chhatra Dal was already present. Photos and videos showing members of the two sides embracing also went viral.
Kamal Hossain said the talks were initiated out of concern that divisions among organisations aligned with the July movement could weaken broader anti-Awami League unity.
Divisions over anniversary programmes
Differences also surfaced at an event organised by the acting president on 5 August to mark the second anniversary of the July uprising.
NCP lawmaker and Member Secretary Akhtar Hossen left the event at China-Bangladesh Friendship Conference Centre over inconsistencies in video footage of the uprising shown there, while Jamaat leaders delivered speeches.
BNP Standing Committee member and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said, “There will be competition or differences among ourselves, but when it comes to Awami League, we must remain united.”
Disputes also broke out at anniversary programmes in Jajira of Shariatpur, Tolaram College in Narayanganj, Barishal University, Lakshmipur and Gaibandha over leadership and processions.
Attacks on NCP march
Attacks surrounding programmes of parties aligned with the mass uprising have also heightened concern.
Incidents occurred in Sylhet and Habiganj in the final week of July during the NCP’s march. On 28 July, NCP activist Alif lost an eye in an attack by Chhatra Dal in Nabiganj, Habiganj.
The incident triggered anger among NCP leaders and activists, who said continued attacks between parties aligned with the mass uprising would call the movement’s core spirit into question.
