Rumors of NCP-Gano Adhikar Merger: What Leaders Are Saying

Amid the upcoming elections, whispers suggest that the Gano Adhikar Parishad (GOP), led by VP Nur, and the National Citizen Party (NCP), led by Nahid Islam, may merge into a single entity to bolster their political stance. However, *The Daily Campus* spoke to leaders from both youth-driven parties to ascertain if such a unification is truly on the cards.

On Thursday (September 18), relevant leaders stated that no discussions on merging the two parties have taken place as of now. Some GOP leaders indicated that the possibility exists, while an NCP leader dismissed any such prospect, saying no talks have occurred.

When asked for comments, GOP General Secretary Rashed Khan said, "Various discussions happen in politics all the time. From the 2018 quota reform movement until 2023, many of them worked with us in politics. That's why there are various informal discussions among our leaders and activists on how to work together for the welfare of the country and nation. However, no discussions on merger have taken place. No formal meetings or party-to-party talks have happened. Informal discussions have occurred among various individuals on issues like reforms, justice, and elections. We have an understanding with them. But the time has not yet come to comment on everything."

GOP party spokesperson (Higher Council member and senior vice-chairman) Faruk Hasan told The Daily Campus, "We have not had any formal discussions with NCP on merging. When asked if there's a possibility of merger, he said, "In politics, many things are possible."

GOP Higher Council member and media coordinator Abu Hanif said, "No such discussions on merging with NCP have taken place. However, we want the youth to unite or work together in politics. Since we have fought movements and struggles together with them, we have some ongoing communication with them."

When asked if there's a possibility of merging with NCP, Abu Hanif replied, "There's a possibility. They can merge."

However, NCP Senior Joint Convener Samantha Sharmin denied the matter. She said, "There's no possibility of such (merger) right now. No discussions have taken place on this. Not even any proposal has come from Gano Adhikar Parishad. However, in the context of joint rational demands in various fields, we have thoughts of working together with them."