The National Citizens' Party (NCP) was founded on a platform of vocal opposition to the banned Awami League. However, following former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's announcement of her return to Bangladesh in December, the party has not been as active as before in countering recent sabotage activities by Awami League leaders and activists in Dhaka and other districts.

Reasons Behind the Inactivity

Investigations reveal that the NCP is deliberately less active due to a 'different assessment' of the recent sabotage. The party's analysis suggests that the current incidents are being allowed by the government to serve its own interests, providing the Awami League with an opportunity for such actions. The NCP believes there is little to gain from taking to the streets against this 'controlled sabotage.'

However, the party has stated that if a genuine threat emerges, it will mobilize all its strength against the Awami League.

The Scale of Violence

During last Tuesday's nationwide 'total shutdown' called by the Chhatra League, 22 vehicles were set on fire and 28 cocktail bomb explosions were reported across the country. Despite this, the NCP was not centrally active.

Suspicions of a 'Game Plan'

The NCP suspects the government is allowing the Awami League to engage in 'controlled sabotage' as part of its own 'game plan' to secure its interests. The party views the Home Minister's nonchalant remarks and Ranjit Chandra's travel to and from India as evidence of collusion between the government and the Awami League. In this context, the NCP has adopted a strategic stance, which will determine its role in facing any future real threats.