Although the schedule for the 13th National Parliament Election has yet to be announced, political parties have already begun preparations, keeping February in focus. As part of the process, leaders from different parties are becoming active in their prospective constituencies.
Leaders of parties that have been part of the simultaneous movement alongside the BNP for the past 16 years appear to be in a dilemma over the issue of seat sharing. They are currently in discussions to reach a consensus with BNP on the matter.
Referring to the longstanding alliance, Bangladesh Revolutionary Workers’ Party General Secretary Saiful Haque told Bangladesh Pratidin, “We had no firm decision on seat sharing with BNP, but BNP conveyed a message that the election will also be held together.”
He expressed optimism that their long-standing collaboration would have a significant impact on the upcoming election. “BNP is discussing this issue, and so are we. We have to wait a bit longer for a final decision,” he added.
According to multiple BNP sources, “BNP wants to cross the parliamentary election threshold with field-tested allies.” The party is reportedly working on a seat-sharing strategy with its partners.
Among the constituencies being discussed are Lakshmipur-4 for Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal President ASM Abdur Rab, Bogura-2 for Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Dhaka-12 for Gana Sanghati Andolan Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki, Patuakhali-3 for Gana Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur, Jhenaidah-2 for General Secretary Rashed Khan, and Kishoreganj-5 for the Jatiya Dal Chairman.
In 2014, most political parties, including the BNP, boycotted the general election. However, in the 2018 polls, BNP allocated 58 seats to its allies. Despite the alliance, they later boycotted the election, alleging that most votes were cast the night before polling day. BNP and its allies also boycotted the 2024 national election.
For the past 15 and a half years, BNP’s allies have been active in movements and street protests. The Awami League government was toppled during the mass uprising on August 5 last year, with BNP and its allies playing a crucial role in the anti-authoritarian demonstrations.
Alliance leaders report that election preparations are underway across the country, with a focus on February. BNP’s potential candidates are actively preparing in all constituencies and are also visible in the constituencies of prominent allied leaders involved in the joint movement.
A senior leader of the Left Alliance, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Bangladesh Pratidin, “We stood by BNP on various issues, including the simultaneous movement. We will continue to support BNP in the future.” He is also hopeful that BNP will value the relationship.
The outcome of the election will be pivotal in determining the composition of the next government. Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) General Secretary Shahid Uddin Mahmud Swapan said, “We were part of the simultaneous movement. We also joined the anti-fascist movement. The people expect us to participate in the parliamentary elections with the BNP. We will hold discussions with BNP regarding this.”
Translated by AM
