The National Citizen Party (NCP) is pursuing a political outreach strategy aimed at attracting marginalised, sidelined and inactive leaders from major political parties to strengthen its organisational base ahead of the upcoming local government elections, according to party sources.
The initiative targets disaffected grassroots and mid-level leaders who, party insiders say, have been excluded from decision-making structures in larger parties, including the BNP. The NCP is also open to engaging locally influential figures from the banned Awami League and the Jatiya Party, subject to legal scrutiny and the absence of criminal cases.
At a recent meeting with families of those killed in the July mass uprising, NCP convener Nahid Islam said the party was preparing for renewed political mobilisation.
"We are preparing again; we are united regardless of party or opinion," he said.
"This is not a party or alliance issue; it is about protecting Bangladesh and the July mass uprising. It is about ensuring the martyrs' blood does not go in vain. We will all be united."
He added: "You are not in front now; we will be in the front row. When bullets come, we will take them first. You will cooperate and pray. A new Bangladesh and reforms will be established. Whether BNP or any force, or a foreign power, we will defeat them."
Party insiders said some leaders from major parties have already contacted the NCP, while the party is engaging individuals with clean reputations and organisational experience. Discussions reportedly include electoral negotiations and possible nominations for local government polls.
NCP Chief Organiser for the Northern Region and head of its local government election committee Sarjis Alam said many capable leaders remain excluded due to nepotism and family-based politics.
"There are many capable leaders in every party who are deprived due to nepotism and family-based politics," he said. "We want to give them that opportunity. We are reaching dedicated leaders nationwide, and many are also approaching us. The door of the NCP is always open."
The party, formed after the July uprising, contested the 13th National Parliament elections in alliance with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and won six seats. It had earlier invited "honest and qualified politicians" to join.
In Chattogram, attention has grown after a meeting between NCP Chief Organiser for the Southern Region Hasnat Abdullah, MP, and former mayor M Manjur Alam.
Speculation suggests Manjur Alam may be considered for a mayoral candidacy in the Chattogram City Corporation elections. Sarjis Alam said no decision has been taken.
"First, he must join the NCP. Then we will assess all candidates," he said. "If he is ahead overall, he may be nominated. No decision has been taken."
The meeting reportedly triggered tension, as individuals identifying as July uprising participants gathered at the residence. The NCP youth wing alleged that Jubo Dal activists formed a mob and attacked Hasnat Abdullah.
Sources said the NCP is in talks with UP Bangladesh, the AB Party, former July uprising coordinators, academics, civil society members, business figures and professionals. Senior Joint Convener Ariful Islam Adeeb said the party is open to broad political alignment.
"We will welcome any pro-democracy and anti-fascist party or individual," he said.
"The July movement will strengthen united forces rather than separate struggles."
AB Party leaders said discussions remain limited due to organisational and legal constraints. Chairman Mujibur Rahman Bhuiyan Manju said there had been no formal merger talks with the NCP.
Sources added that BNP internal dissatisfaction over reforms and governance has created political space for the NCP. An NCP leader said the party believes delays in implementing the July Charter risk deepening political uncertainty.
NCP Joint Member Secretary Akram Hussain CF said the party is receiving responses from across sectors.
"BNP leaders at different levels are in contact," he said. "We are getting positive responses from young leaders, academics, former bureaucrats and professionals. If July forces are not united, Bangladesh cannot be secured."
Party sources said a general meeting this month may decide restructuring, including expansion of the convening committee, enlargement of the central committee and formation of an advisory council. Around 50 new faces may be inducted, with only individuals free of criminal charges or ongoing cases under consideration.
Party leaders said the political situation leaves little alternative but unification of "July forces", with the NCP positioning itself as a broader alternative platform. They added that even non-members supporting the July agenda could be accommodated.
