Is this NCP a true representative of the country’s young leadership?

Local Correspondent

The National Citizens Party (NCP), born out of the popular aspirations of the July uprising, claims to be the bearers of “new politics.” But a video circulating from Bogra has once again called that claim into question.

What happened?

Ali Azam Sabbir, a trainee in the driving training course at the Bogra Technical Training Center (TTC) and a coordinating member of the NCP’s Shibganj Upazila Coordination Team, was accused of behaving indecently with several female trainees, sending offensive messages on his mobile phone, and using obscene language.

As a result, on the afternoon of May 24, some female trainees locked him in a room at the TTC. Later, one of the victims beat him with a shoe. It is reported that Ali Azam Sabbir admitted his mistake and apologized.

When a video of the incident went viral on social media, intense criticism began across the country.

Party action

After the video went viral, Ali Azam Sabbir was relieved of all party posts and responsibilities in a notice signed by NCP Bogra district branch organizing secretary Shawkat Imran on Friday night and a show cause notice was also sent.

Rashedul Hasan, a driving instructor at Bogra TTC, said that further necessary action will be taken against Sabbir as per the decision of the Academic Council after the institution opens. Sabbir has already submitted a written undertaking to the authorities.

Is this an isolated incident?

The question arises — is this just an isolated incident, or has the old political culture started to take root in the party that claims to be the new politics of youth? In the last few months, allegations of violence against women, extortion and abuse of power have come to light against leaders and activists of various parties across the country. While the NCP is presenting itself as an alternative to the old trend, such allegations against the party’s own leader have naturally disappointed its supporters.

Notably, just a few months ago, a BNP leader was similarly accused of pelting a female college teacher with a shoe and injuring five teachers, including the principal, at a government college in Durgapur, Rajshahi, after which the party expelled the leader. This means that the problem is not with any one party, but is deeply rooted in the political culture of Bangladesh.

The test of “new politics”

Since its formation on the back of the July Movement, the NCP leadership has repeatedly promised that the party would be transparent, accountable and rooted in human values. But if allegations of corruption and oppression of women have surfaced against its leaders within a short period of its formation, it is hard to avoid the question of how much that promise is worth.

To fulfill the expectations of change that the young people are cherishing in exchange for the blood of the coup, it is not enough to simply prosecute the accused – the party must ensure the practice of values ​​within itself. Otherwise, this youth-based party will gradually become another version of old-fashioned politics – this is the fear in the minds of many now.