Samanta Sharmeen Leaves NCP Citing Ideological Differences and Opposition to Alliance with Jamaat

PNN News Desk | Dhaka

National Citizen Party (NCP) Joint Convener Samanta Sharmeen has resigned from the party, citing a lack of democratic practices within the organization, inadequate representation of women in decision-making processes and her opposition to the political alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami. She has also expressed interest in establishing a new progressive political platform outside the conventional political framework.

Speaking to the media on Friday (November 6) afternoon while explaining the reasons behind her resignation, Samanta Sharmeen said that by joining an alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami, the NCP had put its independent political identity and ideological position at risk. After considerable thought, she had decided that she could no longer remain associated with such a political direction.

Samanta alleged that the NCP had moved away from the aspirations and ideological foundations that emerged under the leadership of young people during the July Mass Uprising as a result of its alliance with Jamaat. In her view, Jamaat-e-Islami had benefited more from the political arrangement than the NCP.

She also raised questions about internal democracy within the party. According to Samanta, although women played a significant role in the July movement, their meaningful participation was not ensured at the NCP's top leadership and policymaking levels. Instead, she alleged that discriminatory practices had emerged in the party's decision-making process.

The former joint convener also shared her views on the electoral calculations behind the alliance. She claimed that the NCP would have had a better opportunity to win more seats if it had contested the elections independently. According to her, the alliance with Jamaat did not bring the NCP the expected political benefits; rather, the arrangement contributed to Jamaat's electoral success.

Speaking about her political future after resigning, Samanta Sharmeen said she wanted to establish a new progressive political trend outside the conventional political divisions. She expressed her aspiration to build a political force that would prioritize strengthening democratic institutions, establishing a new political culture and protecting national interests instead of reproducing old power structures.

She further said discussions had already begun with various groups regarding the formation of such a political platform. However, she wanted to exchange views with all relevant parties before making a final decision. Her aim, she said, was to bring together progressive, freedom-minded and patriotic individuals outside the traditional political establishment.

Samanta also said that several former senior leaders who had previously resigned from the NCP had welcomed her decision. She expressed interest in coordinating with them in future political activities.

Samanta Sharmeen's resignation has brought renewed attention to internal political differences within the NCP and the party's strategy regarding its alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami. In particular, her departure has further intensified discussions both inside and outside the party over the aspirations of the July Mass Uprising, the party's ideological position and its future political direction.