I’m not becoming a part of this NCP: Mahfuj Alam

Mahfuj Alam, former adviser to the interim government, has announced that he will not join the National Citizen Party. He also said he had rejected an offer to contest the national election from a Dhaka seat under the Jamaat-NCP alliance.

In a Facebook post yesterday, Mahfuj said maintaining his ideological position was more important to him than securing a nomination.

"It is not true that I was not offered a proposal from the Jamaat-NCP alliance. However, maintaining my long-standing position is far more important to me than becoming a candidate for a Dhaka seat under this alliance," he wrote.

He clarified that he had provided strategic guidance to the NCP and the Nagorik Committee over the past 18 months, as both were led by his "July co-fighters".

"In the existing reality, my respect, affection and friendship for my July co-fighters will not be erased. But I am not becoming a part of this NCP," he said.

Explaining his decision, Mahfuj said his attempt to establish the NCP as a "Big July Umbrella" had failed.

Describing the current political climate as a "cold war", he said neutrality was the most prudent path.

He expressed optimism about the emergence of an "alternative and centrist youth force" and said he would continue his activism through political, cultural and intellectual engagement.

"If you care to join me, you are most welcome," he added.