Ahead of the upcoming local government elections, 11-party alliance partners Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP), have decided to contest separately. Political analysts, observe that the decision has created a certain distance between the two parties in terms of political coordination.
Party insiders said the decision to field separate candidates in local government elections was taken considering local political realities, organizational strategies, and electoral preparedness. However, the alliance will remain united on national political issues, democratic demands, and protest programmes, the leaders of the two parties claim.
A senior Jamaat-e-Islami central leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Daily Observer that the NCP is a relatively small party and its demands are being accommodated within the alliance framework.
He said, "The NCP is a small party. Whatever they are asking for is being considered. This is actually a mistake for Jamaat in some sense, because Jamaat is a much larger party. What is the logic of bringing such small parties together?"
Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim told The Daily Observer that local government elections are conducted in a different political context.
"These are organization-based elections where local acceptance and organizational strength matter most. That is why we will field our own candidates. However, the unity of the 11-party movement will remain intact. We are also preparing a roadmap for the ongoing movement," he said.
NCP Joint Convener Dr. Atikur Rahman Mojahid said the decision should not be seen as a political split but rather a strategic adjustment.
"We want to build direct connections with the people. Local government elections provide that opportunity, which is why we are participating independently. But on national issues, we will remain united in the movement platform. The political situation may also change in the next five months," he said.
Political analysts believe the development reflects strategic differences rather than an ideological breakdown.
Associate Professor of Political Science at Jagannath University Mezbah-Ul-Azam Sowdagar said that despite maintaining an alliance, both parties appear to be attempting to independently measure their popularity and assess their real standing among voters.
He noted that such political behavior is common in changing political environments where parties seek to strengthen their grassroots understanding ahead of larger national contests.
Another analyst, Professor Dr. Bilal Hossain of Jagannath University, described the move as a tactical separation.
Sources within the alliance confirmed that coordination meetings have been held with other constituent parties of the 11-party platform. Leaders have agreed to maintain unity regarding the movement's core demands, political programmes, and future action plans.
The decision of Jamaat and NCP to contest separately in the local government polls has generated mixed reactions in political circles. Some believe that contesting separately may strengthen organizational capacity and allow parties to independently test their electoral support base.
Others argue that it may create rift, confusion, misunderstanding among alliance leader, workers and supporters and eventually put pressure on alliance cohesion and coordination, especially in future national political developments.
A local political observer said that local government elections often serve as a testing ground for national politics. Separate participation, he noted, could help parties better organisational strength but ultimately weaken the alliance bond and understanding.
The decision by Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party to contest local government elections separately indicates a shift in electoral strategy.
