Mahfuj Alam, a leading figure of the July uprising and former Information Adviser to the interim government, has finally broken his silence regarding his decision not to join the newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP).
Despite heavy speculation that he would transition from the government to the NCP—a party founded by top leaders of the July movement—Mahfuj Alam surprised the public by charting a solo path. In a recent statement, he confirmed that while discussions about joining the NCP were ongoing, the party’s decision to form an alliance with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami became the primary reason for his withdrawal.
The Vision of a ‘Third Force’
Mahfuj Alam revealed that his intention was for the NCP to emerge as a distinct “Third Force” under the broader “July Umbrella,” independent of existing political heavyweights like the BNP or Jamaat.
“Joining the NCP would have been easy for me if it had emerged as a third force,” Mahfuj stated. “I have always maintained that instead of forming alliances with existing parties, we should focus on a new political direction. I did not want the NCP to ally with Jamaat.”
He noted that according to the NCP leadership, they were “compelled” to enter the alliance. “They made their decision, and I have made mine. I am standing alone with my position, trying to work in my own way,” he added.
Public Disappointment and Electoral Challenges
The former adviser expressed concern that the NCP’s alliance has led to a sense of public betrayal. He argued that the people were looking for a “clean, energetic, and promising” alternative to traditional politics, a hope that has now been dampened.
Regarding the upcoming elections, Mahfuz Alam offered a candid assessment:
- Jamaat-e-Islami: Likely to benefit significantly from the current political wave and their strong organizational roots.
- NCP: Faces a massive challenge in managing the “frustration, lack of trust, and anger” generated by the alliance.
A Different Path for Political Reform
Rather than engaging in conventional party politics, Mahfuj Alam is now focusing on the ideological goals of the July uprising. He emphasized his commitment to the “New Political Settlement” and the socio-economic transformation of Bangladesh.
“I want to keep speaking the words that once gave people hope,” he said. “I have chosen a separate path to ensure we still have the space to talk about societal transformation and economic remodeling.”
