BNP moves to resolve seat-sharing differences with allies 

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) yesterday (13 December) initiated talks with its partner political parties to address growing differences over seat-sharing in the upcoming national parliamentary election, with a final decision expected by 18 December.

According to meeting sources, the BNP will finalise seat-sharing arrangements through a series of one-on-one meetings with its partners. A formal announcement is likely to be made on 19 or 20 December.

Discussions with allies centred on two key issues: preserving the anti-fascist unity forged through the simultaneous movement and reaching a fair and mutually acceptable distribution of seats. Leaders from both the BNP and allied parties expressed concern that confusion and competing narratives surrounding the election could weaken unity and deepen political polarisation.

Participants emphasised that the anti-fascist alliance must be maintained to ensure Bangladesh's transition to a democratic process.

BNP Standing Committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said the party had not formally entered into an electoral alliance but remained committed to those who stood alongside it in the anti-fascist movement. "We made a commitment that those who remain with us in the movement will be part of the government," he said. 

Acknowledging the challenges of contesting elections without the BNP's electoral symbol, the sheaf of paddy, he added, "Even so, we will give some seats to our partners."

According to sources, top leaders of more than 35 parties involved in the simultaneous movement attended the meeting. The BNP was represented by four senior leaders—Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee members Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, and Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku.

A reliable BNP source said the party is keen to avoid hostility with its allies and is considering changing nominations in several constituencies, including Kishoreganj-5 and Narail-2. The BNP is also weighing the option of accommodating some allies in the upper house of parliament. 

Several participants reportedly voiced frustration and dissatisfaction over the lack of clarity on seat-sharing. They questioned whether the BNP was reneging on its earlier commitments, how allies would be evaluated in the future and what role they would play if a "national government" were formed. 

Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque said discussions were open and frank, focusing on partners' contributions to the movement and ensuring that disagreements over seat-sharing do not deepen. Gano Adhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan echoed the call for evaluation based on dignity, noting that allies stood with the BNP through both difficult and favourable times.