Gonotantrik Sangskar Jote’s existence at risk as Rastro Songskar Andolon fumes over alleged BNP-Jamaat ties

Cracks are already visible in the newly formed Gonotantrik Sangskar Jote, less than a month after its launch. Rastro Songskar Andolon has accused partners NCP and AB Party of secretly trying to reach electoral deals with BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami.

Rastro Songskar Andolon warned that compromising the alliance's principles for ties with larger parties would threaten its existence.

Speaking at a press conference from the alliance's office in Paltan this morning (26 december), Rashtra Songskar Andolon President Hasnat Kayum said the alliance was formed to offer an independent political option outside the BNP Jamaat bloc.

He said some partners were allegedly trying to make seat-based deals without informing others. If the reports were true, he said, the alliance would lose its relevance.

He added that alliance spokesperson and NCP convener Nahid Islam had not officially informed them, though social media posts and news reports suggested talks with Jamaat were under way.

He called this a breach of political etiquette.

Hasnat Kayum said Rastro Songskar Andolon views Jamaat as undemocratic and religiously fascist, while BNP stands against reform. The party would not make any deal or share seats with either group, he again added.

On the alliance's future, he said they still considered the others allies. "But if they had truly begun negotiations elsewhere, the alliance would be formally ended."

He said they (Rashtra Songskar Andolon) had earlier left 'Ganatantra Mancha' to create an independent stream and a third option for voters. "Actions by some partners now put that goal in question."

Earlier, on 7 December, the National Citizen Party (NCP), Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party and Rastro Songskar Andolon formed the election-focused alliance named Gonotantrik Sangskar Jote. The announcement was made at a press conference at Dhaka Reporters Unity in the capital.