BNP not to forge any electoral alliance this time: Gayeshwar

Unlike in previous elections, the BNP has no possibility of forming an electoral alliance with its long-standing ally, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, ahead of the next national election, even if the Awami League participates in the polls, said party Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy.

In an interview with UNB, he also expressed doubts about Jamaat's potential to establish an indirect alliance with the Awami League and through the assistance of India, as the Islamist party appears desperate to go to power.

The BNP leader, however, said India, as a close neighbour of Bangladesh, should take the initiative to improve its relations with the BNP and the people of Bangladesh, as it has harmed bilateral ties by favouring only one political party.

During the extensive interview, Gayeshwar also discussed the current political situation, the interim government's performance and reform initiatives, the upcoming election, the future of the NCP and the Awami League, Tarique Rahman's homecoming as well as the BNP's next course of action to force the government to arrange the election by this year.

"I don't see any possibility for the BNP to form an electoral alliance with Jamaat this time. But, there is a possibility of Jamaat forming an alliance with the Awami League if our neighbouring country facilitates or arranges it," Gayeshwar said.

He also said Jamaat may establish at least an indirect alliance with the Awami League, as they did in the past in 1986 and 1996.

"The way Jamaat is behaving, it seems they are desperate to come to power. In times of crisis, Jamaat has betrayed the nation. They were with the Awami League during the movement for the caretaker government in 1996 and during the 1986 elections. If Jamaat and Awami League had not participated in the 1986 elections, Ershad would have fallen much earlier," the BNP leader said.

Gayeshwar, however, said the common voters of the Awami League would not vote for Jamaat, even if the party forms an alliance with the Islamist party.

He said BNP had an alliance with Jamaat based on elections and movements, and their party wants to continue it, but Jamaat is showing hostility towards BNP

The BNP and Jamaat came close to each other during the 1991 national election, but their formal coalition was established in 1999. Since then, they have been together in their political journey. Starting with a four-party alliance and expanding to a 20-party coalition, they remained politically aligned until the dissolution of the 20-party alliance before the 12th national elections.

With the Awami League absent from the political stage following the August 5 (2024) political changeover, the two long-standing allies, BNP and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, appear to be drifting apart as they vie for dominance ahead of the upcoming elections, according to political analysts.

Gayeshwar also openly talked about his party's stance on relations with India.

"Our relationship with India remains the same as before. We have a foreign policy that encourages having friends abroad, but not masters. We must maintain diplomatic relations with neighbouring countries, so we are open to improving bilateral ties with India," he said.

The BNP leader said India must take the initiative to improve diplomatic relations with whoever comes to power in Bangladesh. "India must take this initiative. We have not ruined relations with India. The people of Bangladesh have become dissatisfied with India because it chose to align with a party (AL) they do not support. To mend this, India must take diplomatic efforts," he said.

He also said Indian authorities should change their approach towards Bangladesh, respecting the people of Bangladesh and their wishes.

Asked when BNP acting chairperson Tarique Rahman can return to the country, Gayeshwar said he may come back anytime. "Tarique Rahman will return to the country after considering everything, including his security issue."

He said their party has been pushing for the restoration of democracy through a credible election for the last 17 years. "We've been patient, trusting the interim government, but we won't stay idle for long. Even if we don't want to, we may have to take to the streets to ensure the election."

The BNP leader said there is no need to buy more time for the election in the name of reforms. "Reform is an ongoing process. We want reforms, but elections cannot be delayed for them. Elections must be held as soon as possible. Necessary reforms should be done to organise a free, fair, and acceptable election and the remaining reforms can be carried out by the elected government."

Gayeshwar said the interim government should not treat BNP as an opposition party, pushing it to take to the streets.

He said BNP's main demand over the past 17 years has been a fair election. "There is no reason to deviate from this demand."

Replying to a question, Gayeshwar said that the National Citizen Party (NCP) was supposed to be formed without any support from the government.

"The strength of the new political party (NCP) lies within the government itself, as the government is doing a lot to support them, which is causing it to lose its neutrality."

He compared this to the actions of the Fakhruddin-Moyeenuddin government, which tried to create new parties but ultimately failed.

When asked about the future of the Awami League, Gayeshwar said he does not support banning any political party, as it is the people who decide the fate of parties.

He observed that many once-prominent parties, such as the Muslim League and National Awami Party, have faded into obscurity.

"This means many political parties in Bangladesh have been rejected by the people and disappeared. Can the Bangladesh Muslim League be found now anywhere? Has the National Awami Party been banned? But where are they now?" he said.

The BNP leader said if the people continue to reject the Awami League in future elections, it may face the same fate as the Muslim League.