Six seats, big goals: What’s next for Bangladesh’s student-led NCP party?
Al Jazeera
February 26, 2026
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Bangladesh's National Citizen Party (NCP), a student-led political movement that emerged from the 2024 uprising against longtime leader Sheikh Hasina, has made its debut in national elections as part of a coalition with the conservative Jamaat-e-Islami party. Despite limited resources and organizational challenges, the NCP secured six seats in parliament, marking an unexpected breakthrough for a party just 11 months old. This achievement reflects both the party's growing influence and its ability to capitalize on public disillusionment with established political forces.
The NCP's journey from a protest movement to a formal political entity has been marked by ambitious goals and pragmatic compromises. Initially, the party aspired to contest elections independently but faced pressure to form alliances for survival in Bangladesh's highly competitive political landscape. By aligning with Jamaat-e-Islami, the NCP gained access to resources and infrastructure, enabling it to secure 30 seats in the parliament through a coalition. However, this decision has also sparked internal tensions, as some party members view the alliance as incompatible with the NCP's progressive values.
The election results highlight both opportunities and challenges for the NCP. While six seats represent a modest yet significant achievement for a nascent party, critics argue that the NCP's performance underscores the limitations of protest movements transitioning into formal politics. The party's leaders acknowledge these critiques but remain optimistic about their long-term prospects, viewing this election as just the beginning of their rise in Bangladesh's political arena.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/26/2026