Student-Led NCP Allies With Islamists Ahead of Bangladesh Election, Sparks Rift

• Bangladesh's student-led National Citizen Party (NCP) formed an electoral alliance with the Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami for the upcoming February parliamentary election.
• The NCP, initially a centrist reformist party, cited "greater unity" and pragmatism for the alliance, aiming to convert street power into voter support.
• The decision sparked internal rifts, leading to the resignation of key leader Tasnim Jara, who will now contest as an independent, and several other members.
• Jamaat-e-Islami faces criticism for its historical opposition to Bangladesh's independence and alleged 1971 war crimes, raising concerns about NCP's founding ideals.
• A recent survey showed NCP at 6% support, behind BNP (30%) and Jamaat (26%), suggesting the alliance could impact voting trends but potentially harm NCP's long-term goals.

Why It Matters: NCP's alliance with controversial Jamaat-e-Islami creates internal strife and redefines Bangladesh's political landscape.