The next national parliamentary election will take place in February under any circumstances. No conspiracy will succeed in blocking or delaying it. Soon, the political equations will shift, and the existing landscape will change drastically. Cracks may emerge within alliances that are currently united over demands including proportional representation (PR). Many may also express interest in forming alliances with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
The new strategy of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) may also become an important factor in politics. At the same time, alongside discussions between the Election Commission (EC) and political parties, several positive developments — both open and behind the scenes — may unfold, according to sources linked with different parties.
Although the election schedule has been set for February, public doubts remain. Many believe that some parties and quarters are engaged in conspiracies to foil, delay or prolong the election. They are making various attempts to push back the polls. Leaders of the BNP and other parties have already voiced concern and anxiety over this. Prominent figures from different quarters have also expressed apprehension.
Even Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus recently admitted that attempts are being made by some quarters to delay the election. However, the Chief Adviser remains adamant that the polls will be held in February.
Political leaders believe that the country’s political landscape will change before December. The current picture will not remain the same. Significant shifts may occur within parties even before the announcement of the election schedule. Some of those currently demanding PR may eventually scramble to participate under the traditional first-past-the-post voting system.
The BNP, the largest political party, may also enter into some form of electoral alliance. The party is currently observing the activities of Jamaat-e-Islami and other Islamic groups.
Among the new political parties formed after the 2024 mass uprising, the NCP has drawn the most attention. Although the party has yet to decide on forming alliances, many believed it would align with a right-wing party. But the NCP’s new strategy could change that perception.
Analysts are debating how alliances will shape up in the upcoming election, who will join whom, and which combinations will help secure the most seats while protecting party interests. Discussions are also underway about seat-sharing arrangements in different constituencies.
Talk of elections and alliances began after the fall of autocrat Hasina and is growing stronger. Jamaat-e-Islami was once part of the BNP-led 20-party alliance, but that coalition dissolved even before the mass uprising. It is now clear that Jamaat will not ally with BNP for the time being.
Instead, Jamaat has been working for a year to build an alliance with right-wing and Islamic parties, excluding BNP. The party is trying to form a bloc with eight Islamist groups and several other parties for the next election.
Analysts say that whichever party comes to power, it seeks to expand its strength by drawing in ideologically diverse partners. The BNP, while publicly declaring plans to field candidates in all 300 constituencies, is also discussing the formation of a new electoral alliance. This could include not only right-wing parties but also leftist groups, along with several Islamic parties and organisations.
NCP convener Nahid Islam said, “The NCP will move forward with its own political goals. If any party agrees with us, they may join.” He added, “We did not join the Jamaat-led movement because we opposed it.” Sources suggest that a new alliance may also form under the NCP’s leadership, which could emerge as another key factor in politics.
BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said, “In politics, there is no such thing as an end. For years, we fought against fascists, sacrificed lives and endured repression to bring them down. Now we see some parties campaigning to bring those fascists — the Awami League — back. Some even want to prolong the next election to make that happen. But all such conspiracies will fail in the face of resistance from the pro-democracy people of this country. Therefore, the election will be held on time.”
BNP Standing Committee member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said, “No conspiracy will be able to stop the February election. If we can unite the people in favour of democracy and the February polls, no conspiracy can hinder it.”
He added, “The people of this country believe in governance by an elected government. Voters are eagerly waiting to cast their ballots in a free and fair election. We are working to uphold the people’s right to vote.”
Dhaka University political science professor Dr Dil Rowshan Jinnat Ara Naznin said, “Forming alliances to contest elections has become a culture. Whichever party takes power seeks to increase its strength. Running the state alone creates many obstacles. Political allies also play a key role in keeping opposition forces in check.”
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
