The conflict between nearly two and a half decades-long coalition— BNP [Bangladesh Nationalist Party] and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami— is intensifying as both parties are positioned against each other ahead of upcoming National Parliament Elections. The top leaders of both parties are criticizing ‘opponents’.
Jamaat wants the election to be held after all the reforms while BNP wants the election declaration as soon as possible after ‘necessary’ reforms.
Meanwhile, Jamaat has announced its intention to field candidates in all 300 constituencies and is making efforts to form an electoral alliance with several Islamic parties. On the other hand, BNP is engaging in dialogue with its allied parties ahead of the election where Jamaat is not part of these discussions.
In 1999, a four-party alliance was formed, with BNP and Jamaat being the two main parties and formed government in 2001. Late, they returned to the opposition. The four-party alliance has turned into a 20-party alliance.
During the last few years of Sheikh Hasina regime, there has been a tug of war between BNP and Jamaat on various issues. Social media, speeches, and public statements have been filled with mutual criticisms and comments.
After the fall of Sheikh Hasina led Awami League government, the situation intensified as the growing distance became publically evident. Several clashes have taken place between leaders and activists of these two leading political parties, in various part of the country.
The top leaders of Jamaat have been making strong criticisms of BNP in their speeches and gatherings, hinting at issues like land grabbing and other allegations.
Meanwhile, at a BNP event, party’s Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi sharply criticized Jamaat, prompting a strong protest from Jamaat. Overall, the distance between the two parties is now visible.
However, Jamaat leaders have stated that many political debates take place in the field, and all parties’ desire reforms. Jamaat does not wish to set a fixed timeline for reforms and does not believe that there has been any significant deficit in their mutual relationship at the final stage.
Top Jamaat leaders said: “They are not in coalition with BNP, but they are in touch with BNP top leaders.”
Jamaat is discussing with Islami parties to unite every party, and will decide whether it will go for coalition or not, after the declaration of election date. The same goes for the BNP as well.
On the other hand, BNP leaders said that they want to walk alone in the election as it is the most popular party in the county. However, they also said that they will consider after the declaration of election date whether they will go for a coalition or not.
Translated by Afsar Munna
