BNP Develops Election Strategies with Allies

As Bangladesh prepares for free, fair, and neutral elections following the fall of the Awami League regime, several prominent political leaders have met with Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser of the interim government, urging him to schedule a general election soon. While the government has not yet announced a date, the BNP is already strategizing for the elections.

The BNP is advocating for the formation of a national government based on consensus and is mobilizing allies from its ongoing anti-Awami League movement to achieve this goal.

According to BNP sources, the party may align with its movement partners for the upcoming elections. Acting chairman Tarique Rahman indicated this intention in a recent speech, emphasizing the importance of a national government in steering the country.

Speaking virtually from London, Rahman stated, “After independence, we missed the opportunity to harness national unity. We cannot afford to repeat that mistake. Those who have fought for democracy and voting rights will play a role in governing the nation, ensuring their efforts bear fruit.”

Reports indicate that the BNP, along with various parties and alliances, initiated its simultaneous movement on December 30, 2022. They continued various activities with limited resources until the Awami League government fell in August.

Multiple alliances, including Ganatantra Mancha and the 12-party alliance, participated in the joint movement under the BNP's leadership. Other groups like the Liberal Democratic Party led by Oli Ahmad, the AB Party, Gono Forum, and two factions of Gono Odhikar Parishad were also involved.

BNP sources suggest that the party aims to maintain unity with its movement allies and plans to contest the upcoming elections together. BNP leaders have already held separate discussions with these allies to communicate this intention.

However, negotiations are expected to continue regarding their demands. The BNP has assured these parties of their inclusion in the national government if they remain allied, and the parties have shown interest in collaborating, expressing trust in the BNP.

What Do Party Leaders Say?

When asked about forming an alliance with the BNP, Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan stated that the BNP and its allies played a crucial role in the movement against the Awami League government. “Now that the BNP is discussing a national government, Tarique Rahman favors young leaders, and we have a good relationship with the BNP. There is a possibility of joining the election together.”

Shahid Uddin Mahmud Swapan, general secretary of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), echoed this sentiment: “We align with the BNP based on its 31-point agenda for state reform. We have fought together in the anti-fascist movement, and our journey continues. While elections may not occur soon, there is a chance to contest together since we have previously collaborated.”

BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury emphasized that the BNP aims to advance alongside all parties that opposed the Awami League regime. “We held a series of meetings with our movement allies recently, where acting chairman Tarique Rahman conveyed that if the BNP wins, a national government will be formed with everyone.”

The BNP's movement continues to demand fair elections under a non-partisan government until a people-elected government is established.

Complex Relationship with Jamaat

Despite the possibility of forming an electoral alliance with anti-Awami League parties, the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is unlikely to join this coalition. Differences between the BNP and Jamaat have surfaced since the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government.

Jamaat Amir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman and other leaders have taken positions that oppose the BNP regarding the interim government and have criticized the party. Disputes over election matters have also arisen, leading to negative reactions within the BNP.

The Jamaat initially formed an alliance with the BNP in 1999, contesting the 2001 general election as a coalition that led to government formation. Their alliance persisted through the 2008 election. Despite various challenges, the partnership remained intact until the two officially parted ways in 2022.

Nonetheless, they maintained covert cooperation during the movement to oust the Awami League. Following the fall of the Awami League, differences between the BNP and Jamaat have become apparent again.

BNP leaders believe that Jamaat has intentionally distanced itself, becoming increasingly ambitious since August 5, competing for influence and appointing party-backed professionals in government roles.

In light of this, the BNP is planning its election strategy without Jamaat. As the former ally turns into a political rival, the BNP is coordinating with other political parties to secure seats and work towards forming a national government.

Jamaat Publicity Secretary Motiur Rahman Akand stated that his party would decide on alliances after the election date is announced, maintaining their stance on the BNP. “Nothing can be said for certain at this time,” he added.

Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury commented that Jamaat, as an independent political party, is operating based on its agenda, and the formation of an electoral alliance depends on timing and circumstances.