The National Citizen Party (NCP) has no intention of becoming a “tamed opposition” like the Jatiya Party (JaPa), said the party’s chief organiser for the northern region, Sarjis Alam.
Speaking at a coordination meeting of the Dhaka district and two Dhaka metropolitan city units at the Shaheed Abu Saeed International Convention Centre in Shahbagh on Friday evening, Sarjis said, “NCP does not aim to be the 46th minor party. In the upcoming elections, we will either form the government or remain a strong opposition. There is no desire within our party to become a tamed opposition like the Jatiya Party.”
Sarjis emphasised that individuals holding positions in the Awami League or opponents of the July movement will not be allowed to join the NCP’s convening committee. “Those with a tarnished reputation or who have misused power and positions will not be accepted into the party. If necessary, fact-checking will be conducted on such matters,” he added.
He also clarified, “Honest and respected members from other parties are welcome to join NCP, but they cannot carry forward the ideologies of their previous parties.”
Calling for strict party discipline, Sarjis warned, “This is not a party for those seeking personal gain. Those who think they can achieve self-interest here should return to their previous affiliations. NCP will continue to follow its own principles and ideals.”
Addressing party workers, he urged, “No one should try to undermine others to advance themselves. Many inside NCP tend to file complaints against others to strengthen their own positions, and this mentality must change.”
Looking ahead, Sarjis expressed optimism about the party’s future, stating, “If NCP moves forward with the aspirations and goals of July, it can become the most credible political party in Bangladesh within two years.”
He emphasised that popular, diligent, and talented individuals would be prioritised for party committees, and that the party would remain open to young and capable members.
Sarjis also announced that convening committees for Dhaka north and south metropolitan city units would be formed within the next two days, followed by district committees by November. “These committees must be formed through local meetings, not from the Banglamotor office in Dhaka,” he added.
On age limits for leadership positions, he said, “District and thana committee conveners must be over 40, while the minimum age for a member secretary is 35.”
Concluding on the party’s electoral prospects, Sarjis remarked, “If we form all committees by November and organise activities effectively, NCP will emerge as one of the two major political parties in the country in the next national elections.”
