NCP, LDP join Jamaat-led alliance: Shafiqur

An electoral consensus has been reached between the National Citizen Party (NCP) and the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance.

Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dr Shafiqur Rahman disclosed the development to the media at a press briefing at the National Press Club on Sunday afternoon.

He said that two new parties -- NCP and Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) -- now joined with the Jamaat-led alliance combining other Islamic parties to participate in the upcoming 13th Jatiya Sangsad elections slated for February 12 next year.

"We have reached a consensus through negotiation about sharing seats of different constituencies for contesting the upcoming national election," he said.

Later at a press conference on the day NCP convener Nahid Islam conformed the electoral alliance.

He said that some other parties have also expressed interests in joining in their newly-born electoral alliance.

He further said that during the post-mass uprising time (after ousting the then prime minister Sheikh Hasina), Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Khelafat Majlish, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon, Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party and Jatiya Gonotantrik Party (JAGPA) joined Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in nominating a single candidate on their part (Jamaat and six Islamic parties) on the basis of consensus for contesting the upcoming parliamentary election.

Later LDP joined those parties (six Islamic parties and Bangladesh Jamaat-e- Islami).

He also said that the parties of the alliance discussed seat-sharing in 300 constituencies, adding that consensus on sharing 300 seats has almost been finalised.

The Jamaat top boss ( Dr Shaifiqur Rahman) admitted that some technical aspects remained unresolved following the inclusion of NCP and LDP in the electoral alliance, but would be resolved after submission of nomination papers through mutual discussion.

He further said that they would cooperate with the interim government so that a free, fair and acceptable national election could be held on the announced date.

"Level playing field is yet to be ensured for all parties (for contesting the election). The interim government and the Election Commission ( EC) must be neutral during election for executing their constitutional and morale responsibilities," Dr Shaifiqur Rahman said.

Chairman of LDP Col (retd) Oli Ahmad Bir Bikram, Ameer of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish Maulana Mamunul Haque, Secretary General of Khelafat Majlish Dr Ahmad Abdul Quader, presidium member of Islami Andolon Bangladesh Ashraf Ali Akon, Senior Naeb-e-Ameer of Nejame Islam Party Bangladesh Abdul Majed, Chairman of Development Party Anwarul Islam, Naeb-e- Ameer of Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon Mujibur Rahman Hamidi and Vice- President of Jatiya Gonotantrik Party or JAGPA Rashed Prodgan were present, among others, at the press briefing.

NCP Convener Nahid Islam said later at a press conference the party would contest the upcoming national parliamentary elections in alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami and like-minded parties, clarifying that the arrangement is purely an electoral understanding and not an ideological unity.

The press conference was held on Sunday night at the NCP's temporary central office in Banglamotor, Dhaka.

Explaining the background, Nahid Islam said the NCP had initially planned to contest the election independently by fielding candidates in all 300 constituencies. "Our preparations were underway accordingly, and we invited nominations from interested candidates across the country," he said. He added that the party later reached a political understanding with two other groups -- the AB Party and the Rashtra Sanskar Andolan -- under which the three-party democratic reform alliance planned to contest the polls together.

However, he said the country's political situation changed significantly following the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi and the incident in which he was shot publicly.

According to Nahid Islam, these developments indicated that hegemonic and aggressive forces remain active and are seeking to derail the election, obstruct reforms, and hinder the country's post-uprising progress. He alleged that young people who took part in the July mass uprising, along with citizens, families of martyrs, and injured activists, were being targeted.

Against this backdrop, Nahid Islam said the NCP felt the need for broader unity to ensure a free, fair, and competitive election and to prevent any force from undermining the post-uprising momentum. "With that urgency, we held talks with Jamaat-e-Islami and their eight like-minded parties, and the NCP agreed to an electoral understanding with them," he said, adding that the party has decided to contest the election jointly with Jamaat and its allied parties.

Responding to questions from journalists, the NCP convener reiterated that the parties involved only agreed on a minimum common agenda. "There is no overall or ideological unity. This is an electoral understanding. We will go through the election period together based on consensus on some minimum issues," he said. He added that the understanding aims both to navigate the electoral process and to pursue a minimum programme focused on reforms, justice, and opposition to hegemony and corruption.

Nahid Islam said a final announcement on candidates would be made on Monday, noting that agreed candidates under the understanding would submit nomination papers and contest the election jointly across the country.

Addressing concerns over the resignation of two women leaders, he said the decision to join the alliance was taken after discussions within the party's executive council and based on the majority's view. Whether individuals choose to contest the election or remain in the party is a personal decision, he added.

He also said the NCP would campaign in favour of a 'Yes' vote in the election as a referendum and act in line with the commitments outlined in the July Charter.

NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain delivered the welcome address at the press conference, which was attended by central leaders Nasiruddin Patwary, Hasnat Abdullah, Sarjis Alam, Ariful Islam Adeeb, Abdul Hannan Masud, Mahmuda Mitu, Dilshana Parul, and others.

talhabinhabib@yahoo.com