A fresh rift has surfaced in the political landscape as National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam launched a scathing attack on Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, accusing the party of “deception”.
The strong language quickly drew attention, signalling a widening divide between the two parties and raising questions over the deeper political tensions behind the statement.
In a post on his verified Facebook account on Sunday afternoon, Nahid Islam wrote, “The so-called ‘Proportional Representation Movement’ launched by Jamaat-e-Islami was nothing but a calculated political deception.”
He further alleged, “Jamaat-e-Islami deliberately derailed the Consensus Commission’s reform process to divert attention from the core issue: restructuring the state and constitution following the people’s uprising.”
Claiming that Jamaat’s support for electoral reform was merely a tactic to sabotage the process from within, Islam added, “Jamaat never engaged meaningfully in the reform discourse or offered any constitutional vision.”
Nahid’s harsh criticism of Jamaat follows the NCP’s refusal to sign the July Charter, citing concerns over its legal foundation, while Jamaat, along with the majority of parties, signed the historic document.
Initially, alongside the NCP, Jamaat also expressed concerns about the legal foundation of the charter. However, sources say they later agreed to sign the document after receiving “assurances” from the interim government.
The two parties also appeared to be aligned on several reform proposals during the Consensus Commission meetings, particularly regarding the PR system. Leaders of both parties were also seen attending each other’s events on multiple occasions.
Nahid Islam’s remarks quickly prompted a sharp reaction from Jamaat’s Secretary General, Mia Golam Parwar.
Parwar told TIMES of Bangladesh that party leaders “needed to gain more political wisdom and foresight” before making such comments.
“Jamaat has actively cooperated with the Consensus Commission to help shape a meaningful parliamentary system for the country,” he said, adding, “While other parties may hold differing views on their approach, such diversity of opinion is the hallmark of a healthy democracy.”
Dismissing Nahid Islam’s post as insignificant, Parwar further said that his comments lacked “the political decorum and sense of propriety that a party should uphold.”
The remark also drew ridicule from a political analyst, who questioned the NCP’s grasp of political realities.
Sabbir Ahmed, Professor of Political Science at the University of Dhaka, told TIMES of Bangladesh that the NCP’s reaction revealed their “childish perspective on politics.”
“Everyone in Bangladesh knows Jamaat holds a flexible position on issues, and their stance might change at any time,” he said. “In politics, everyone looks out for their own interests. If the NCP expected Jamaat to ignore theirs and support the NCP’s cause, it’s clear they don’t understand politics.”
Ahmed questioned, “Has Jamaat moved away from their demand to establish a PR-based upper house?” adding, “This demand can be made even after the elections. The NCP should try to gain a better grasp on reality and change their political tactics.”
