Jamaat, NCP 'natural allies' on reform agenda: Akhtar Hossain
"The United States is viewing the entire context of this alliance positively," Akhtar said.
National Citizen Party (NCP) Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain has said that during discussion at the National Consensus Commission, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and NCP stood on the same side regarding reform proposals, describing the two parties as "natural allies" on the reform agenda.
"It is not possible for the National Citizen Party alone to implement reforms. We wanted BNP, Jamaat and all parties to speak in favour of a new political settlement," he said. "But in the reform commission, against BNP's anti-reform stance, a natural alliance has emerged between Jamaat and the NCP."
The NCP leader made the remarks while speaking at a press conference this evening (4 January) at the party's Banglamotor office.
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Prior to the press conference, a four-member NCP delegation held discussions with officials at the US Embassy in Dhaka regarding the election.
Akhtar clarified that the understanding with Jamaat is not an ideological alliance. "We were preparing independently. After the publication of the second list of candidates, Osman Hadi was martyred, which affected our thinking. The forces of July have been targeted by enemies," he said.
He added that the NCP has joined a political alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami with the aim of building a corruption-free and anti-hegemony Bangladesh.
"The United States is viewing the entire context of this alliance positively," Akhtar said, adding that the party also raised concerns about ensuring a level playing field in the election.
Responding to a question, he said incidents involving Venezuela and the United States were against international norms, stressing that all countries must respect international law.
On seat sharing, the NCP leader said the party would reach a final decision shortly. "Discussions on government formation are ongoing. This is not an ideological alliance; it is an electoral seat-sharing arrangement," he said.
Regarding the resignation of some other NCP leaders, he said their decisions had "hurt us personally" and that their resignation letters had not yet been formally accepted.
Criticising the Election Commission, Akhtar alleged bias in the scrutiny of nomination papers.
"In this election, legal loopholes are being used to allow the Jatiyo Party to participate," he said.
