A new political landscape is taking shape in Bangladesh as a significant “11-party electoral alliance” was formally announced on Thursday night. However, the coalition began its journey with a visible gap, as the Islami Andolan Bangladesh remained absent from the declaration event despite having a seat reserved on the stage.
The alliance, branded under the banners “United Bangladesh” and “11-Party Electoral Alliance,” held a press conference at the Muktijoddha Smriti Auditorium of the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh (IDEB) in Kakrail. Leaders confirmed that a consensus has been reached for 253 out of the 300 parliamentary seats.
Seat Distribution Breakdown
Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, Nayeb-e-Amir of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, formally announced the seat-sharing arrangement. According to the agreement:
- Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami: 179 seats
- National Citizen Party (NCP): 30 seats
- Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish: 20 seats
- Khelafat Majlish: 10 seats
- Liberal Democratic Party (LDP): 7 seats
- Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party): 3 seats
- Bangladesh Development Party (BDP): 2 seats
- Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party: 2 seats
While the Jatiyo Ganatantrik Party (JAGPA) and Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan are part of the consensus, their specific seats are yet to be finalized.
The Islami Andolan Factor
The primary point of discussion during the event was the absence of Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, the Amir of Islami Andolan Bangladesh and Peer of Charmonai. Although a chair was kept for him, no representatives from his party attended.
Addressing the situation, Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Shafiqur Rahman clarified that this is an “electoral understanding” rather than a formal permanent coalition.
“One party was with us at the beginning but is not visible here today. This does not mean the alliance has broken. They are likely conducting further internal deliberations. We are in regular contact with them and hope they will join us eventually,” Shafiqur Rahman said.
Islami Andolan Bangladesh has scheduled its own press conference for Friday at 3:00 PM at its Purana Paltan central office to clarify its official stance on the electoral pact.
Unified Front
The press conference featured prominent figures including Maulana Mamunul Haque of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, NCP Convener Nahid Islam, and Khelafat Majlish General Secretary Ahmad Abdul Kader. Former adviser and NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan was also present.
The event, moderated by alliance coordinator HM Hamidur Rahman Azad, concluded with leaders raising joined hands to signal unity, met with enthusiastic slogans from supporters in attendance.
This formal declaration follows a period of intense negotiation. A previously scheduled announcement on Wednesday was postponed due to disagreements over seat sharing, particularly between Jamaat and Islami Andolan. While 10 parties moved forward following a final meeting at the Jamaat central office on Thursday morning, all eyes remain on Islami Andolan’s upcoming announcement.
