NCP, AB Party tread warily to merge

The proposed merger between the National Citizen Party (NCP) and Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party), once seen as a possible step towards consolidating a new political force, has lost momentum as the two parties remain divided over leadership, organisational structure and the legal process of unifying two separately registered entities.

Both parties share ideological ground and are now partners in the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance. The question of merger surfaced in May, particularly after several AB Party leaders joined the NCP. The two parties had earlier worked together in the Democratic Reform Alliance with the State Reform Movement.

Several rounds of discussions have since taken place between their senior leaders, but no final decision has emerged.

NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan said the idea had not been abandoned, although its implementation was proving more difficult than initially anticipated.

“In principle, both parties are in agreement. However, extensive discussions are underway on how to implement it. Since both parties believe in the democratic process, we have to talk to the grassroots of both parties,” he said.

“The decision in principle to merge was taken roughly before the February 12 elections. But after that it is happening slowly. But decision on the leadership structure is taking time. However, discussions are ongoing,” he added.

Asif said the fact that both parties were separately registered had added another layer of complexity to the process.

“AB Party is also registered. Our party is also registered. So discussions are underway on the process by which we can come together. I think it will take some time,” he said.

But beneath the procedural question lies a more delicate political calculation�"the distribution of power within a proposed new structure.

A section of NCP leaders believes that bringing established AB Party leaders into the party could upset the existing balance and complicate its efforts to develop a new generation of leadership. They argue that the party should first strengthen its grassroots organisation before undertaking another major structural exercise.