11-party election alliance discussions continue, final decision pending

PNN News Desk, Dhaka

Ahead of the upcoming national elections, the seat-sharing arrangement among the 11-party alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has yet to be finalized. The alliance includes Islami Andolon Bangladesh, National Citizens Party (NCP), Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Khelafat Majlis, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon, Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party), Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JAGPA), and Bangladesh Development Party (BDP).

Sources close to the parties said initial discussions on seat-sharing started with eight parties, later adding NCP, LDP, and AB Party. The inclusion of the new parties caused some dissatisfaction among certain groups. Islami Andolon Bangladesh initially demanded over a hundred seats, which complicated the discussions.

According to a draft seat allocation proposed by Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolon would receive 35–40 seats, NCP 30, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis 11, Khelafat Majlis 3, AB Party 3, LDP 2, and BDP 2. At one point, Islami Andolon seemed to withdraw from the discussions. However, discussions have recently gained momentum.

Gazi Ataur Rahman, Senior Joint Secretary and spokesperson of Islami Andolon, said the seat-sharing discussions are nearly complete, and a final decision may be reached soon. Meanwhile, discussions with NCP regarding seat allocation are ongoing, as NCP seeks 35–40 seats instead of the proposed 30.

Despite ongoing discussions, most parties have submitted nominations for numerous seats. Jamaat submitted for 276 seats, Islami Andolon for 268 seats, NCP for 47 seats, and other parties according to their capacity. Experts believe the final implementation of the seat-sharing arrangement will take place through the withdrawal of nominations.

Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, Naib-e-Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami, expressed optimism that the seat-sharing arrangement among the 11 parties will be finalized shortly.