Dhaka, Nov 28 (V7N) – A faction of the Jatiya Party led by Anisul Islam Mahmud and the Jatiya Party (JP), affiliated with the banned Awami League-led 14-party alliance under Anwar Hossain Manjur, have decided to contest the upcoming national elections jointly. Party leaders are in the process of forming a political alliance, with an official announcement expected by the end of next week.

ABM Ruhul Amin Howlader, General Secretary of the Jatiya Party (faction), said, “Coalition politics has long been a feature of our country. Major parties form alliances to consolidate votes, and we are now taking steps to build a coalition with like-minded political parties. We hope the alliance will be formally launched in the first week of next month.”

Sources indicate that, in addition to the Jatiya Party (faction) and JP, the initiative involves discussions with other parties committed to Bangladeshi nationalism, the spirit of the Liberation War, and Islamic ideology. These include the newly formed Janta Party Bangladesh led by Ilias Kanchan and Shawkat Mahmud, the Jatiya Party (Matin), and the Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar).

Following the July mass uprising that challenged the Awami League, the Jatiya Party, as the opposition in the last three parliaments, faced new political challenges. Activities of the Awami League have been officially banned, and the Jatiya Party has experienced internal divisions. A breakaway faction led by Anisul Islam Mahmud emerged from the party previously led by Golam Mohammad (GM) Quader. Several other parties have protested restrictions on political activity, including those affecting Awami League allies. The new coalition is being formed to strengthen opposition politics ahead of the elections.

Confirming the alliance talks, Executive Chairman of the Jatiya Party (faction) Mujibul Haque Chunnu said, “We have been discussing forming a coalition with like-minded parties for some time, particularly to ensure participation in the upcoming national election and promote a healthy political environment in the country. We hope to officially unveil this new political alliance soon.”

While the Awami League’s activities have been banned, JP’s operations have not been restricted or deregistered. Chunnu added, “JP’s political activities remain legal. As a registered party, they retain the right to participate in politics, and the Election Commission has not restricted them. Therefore, we are free to engage politically with them.”

Regarding election preparation, Chunnu said, “Once conditions are favorable, we will finalize discussions with these parties and make a formal decision on contesting the election.”

END/KRK/