Islami Andolon stands firm on 'one box' policy, says 11-party alliance talks still uncertain

The Islami Andolon Bangladesh (IAB) has reiterated that it will not back away from "one box" policy of the Islamist alliance, while acknowledging that uncertainty still surrounds ongoing 11-party alliance talks and seat-sharing arrangements.

Speaking at a press conference at the party's central office today (14 January), the party's Joint Secretary General and spokesperson Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman said, "We are still committed to the one box policy and we will remain so."

"Within the next one or two days, we will formally announce how we will contest the election and how this policy will be implemented," he added.

Seat-sharing rift puts Islamist bloc’s ‘one box’ policy in doubt

When asked whether Jamaat-e-Islami would remain within the policy, he said, "Whether Jamaat stays or not is a question for Jamaat itself."

The IAB leader noted that the policy was declared by party's Ameer Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, popularly known as Pir Saheb Charmonai, to unite Islamist forces in the changed political landscape following the July Uprising. "Under the policy, the aim was to field a single Islamist candidate in each constituency."

However, he admitted that consensus could not be reached before the nomination paper submission deadline on 29 December. "As a result, parties within the alliance submitted nomination papers separately."

"We thought the issues could be resolved before the withdrawal deadline, but that has not been possible so far," Gazi Ataur said.

He alleged that none of the alliance agreed to compromise on constituencies considered important by Islami Andolon. Instead, he claimed, some parties have begun early campaigning in various constituencies using the alliance's name, which has undermined the environment for understanding.

The IAB spokesperson said a series of meetings were held last night with district leaders, nominated candidates, members of the Majlis-e-Shura, presidium and advisory council to review the situation.

"An emergency meeting of the party's highest policymaking body, the Majlis-e-Amla, was also held today to discuss the electoral situation, the conduct of allied organisations and future strategy."

The meeting was chaired by the Pir Saheb Charmonai.

Gazi Ataur said, "We will not make hasty decisions. Everything will be decided rationally and through proper procedures."

On whether Islami Andolon will remain in the alliance, he said no final decision has yet been taken. "It is too early to say that we have left the alliance or expelled anyone. We are still trying to maintain unity," he added.

He stressed that compromise cannot be one-sided. "Understanding does not mean domination by one party. Without mutual respect, it becomes difficult to move forward together."

Referring to the nomination withdrawal deadline on 20 January and the election scheduled for 12 February, he said the political situation could still change before polling day.