Intense Alliance Talks Among Islamists, Targeting 13th Election.

 With the Thirteenth National Parliamentary Election on the horizon, a new effort to reach a "consensus" has begun among the country's Islamist political parties. The primary goal of this initiative is to field single candidates in all constituencies and present themselves as an alternative force to the BNP in the electoral contest. Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolan Bangladesh, along with several other Islamist parties, are actively working on this process.

However, the involved parties are not yet willing to formally declare this initiative as an alliance. Sources close to the matter told Prothom Alo that no announcement of an alliance will be made immediately. It might take a specific shape after the election schedule is declared.

It remains unclear how deeply the National Citizens' Party (NCP) will be involved in this process. However, it is understood that NCP has a certain level of agreement with Islami Andolan Bangladesh and Jamaat-e-Islami on various reform-related issues.

Gazi Ataur Rahman, spokesperson for Islami Andolan Bangladesh, stated, "NCP is also moving forward with the expectation of a new Bangladesh. We have an understanding with them. They also do not want new fascists to come. We have good communication with them. Perhaps there will be more communication in the future." His comment suggests the possibility of a broader unity among Islamist parties, which could create a new polarization in the upcoming national election.