I am not joining this NCP: Mahfuj Alam

In a statement titled “My Political Position” posted on his verified Facebook page, former adviser for the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Mahfuj Alam has stated that he will not be joining the National Citizen Party, clarifying also on his stance on several ongoing issues regarding the party and its recently announced alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami.

Presented as a numbered list, in his first point, the former adviser states, “Jatiya Nagorik Committee and NCP were organised under the leadership of the frontline leaders of July. As my July comrades are in these two organisations, for the past year and a half, I have readily provided them with advice, guidance, and policy-level cooperation whenever they asked.”

Adding that he has made every effort to establish NCP as a “July umbrella”, new political entity that stands against fascism and works towards a society of mutual responsibility, Mahfuj questions whether the party has been able to uphold those values.

While he clarifies that his respect and friendship with NCP members and his “July comrades” will not be erased, Mahfuj Alam stated that he will not be joining “this NCP”. He added, “It is not true that I was not offered a proposal from the Jamaat-NCP alliance. But upholding my long-standing position is more important than being a candidate of the Jamaat-NCP alliance in any Dhaka constituency.”

Saying that Bangladesh is currently engaged in a “Cold War,” the former adviser wrote, “In this phase, it is best not to take sides and remain steadfast in one’s own statements and principles. The possibility of alternative youth/July forces has not yet ended. Rather, I will continue what I have said in the past year and a half, the principles I have believed in, through all political, cultural, and intellectual means.”

Welcoming all who wish to join him on this journey, the adviser concluded, “A new political-economic arrangement is possible and real. The rise of alternative and moderate youth/July forces is imminent.”