The 'king's parties' of last election – where are they now?

Highlights:

• Boycotted polls enabled rapid rise of small "king's parties"
• These parties aimed to mimic multiparty competition and weaken BNP
• Most collapsed after 2024 election, now scrambling for relevance
• BNM plagued by fund misuse allegations and leadership resignations
• Trinomool BNP faded after election losses; leaders exiting politics
• BSP rebranding through new Sunni alliance to contest nationwide

In the last national election under the Awami League government, more than 40 political parties boycotted the polls. Into that vacuum jumped a flurry of new and little-known parties, formed hurriedly, registered even faster, and stocked with defectors from the BNP. 

For a brief moment, these so-called "king's parties" made plenty of noise. Today, many of them can barely keep their shutters open. Many of the once-promising newcomers are now scrambling for political shelter, trying to rebrand, regroup, or quietly retreat from the spotlight.

Among the most talked about were Trinomool BNP, Bangladesh Nationalist Movement (BNM), and Bangladesh Supreme Party (BSP) – all widely seen as creations meant to give the election a sheen of competitiveness. 

According to insiders, these parties emerged as convenient instruments to soften public criticism of the Awami League and project an illusion of a vibrant multiparty contest. 

Analysts further suggest that their sudden rise was part of a calculated effort to chip away at the BNP's organisational base by drawing in familiar faces with financial incentives and promises of political relevance.

After the 2024 polls, however, most slipped quietly into political hibernation. Now, with another election ahead, some are trying to reinvent themselves, some are seeking a way back into BNP's fold, and others simply want to disappear from the political landscape.

BNM: From sudden rise to shutdown

Allegations have surfaced that during the 2024 election, the BNM received a hefty sum in donations from Sheikh Hasina, and that Shahjahan, along with two or three others, pocketed the entire amount. 

After the election, on 13 June 2024, Shahjahan resigned from the post of secretary general, citing personal reasons. During the July uprising, he reportedly took to the streets in Jatrabari on behalf of the Awami League to suppress protests. Following these events, two murder cases were filed against him in court.

Responding to the allegations, Shahjahan said the cases were filed with the intention of harassing many people. He also called the claims about receiving election-period funds "a vile fabrication." He added, "I am no longer in politics. I came under pressure for speaking out against Sheikh Hasina's election rigging, which is why I stepped down from the party."

Barrister M Sarowar Hossain, the founding spokesperson and former joint convener of BNM, said the party had deviated from the goals it was initially formed with. "We left the moment the party began preparing to contest the election alongside the Awami League," he said. 

Regarding the former secretary general, he added, "By contesting the election with the Awami League, Shahjahan siphoned off around Tk10 crore. Now he is likely trying to use that money to 'manage' someone in the BNP to get into the party."

Reliable sources say that ahead of the last election, BNM's co-chairman Kamrul Ahsan and a few retired armed forces officers worked to bring leaders from the BNP and other parties into BNM.

Sources further say that after the fall of the Awami League government during the 5 August uprising, many BNM leaders have been trying to secure favour from both the government and the BNP. Kamrul Ahsan is now frequently seen visiting the offices of one or two government advisers, and has been telling various circles about his close ties with them. 

Trinomool BNP: Once loud, now silent

Trinomool BNP, founded by the late Nazmul Huda, was one of the most visible outfits ahead of the previous polls, attracting several high-profile defectors from BNP. The party had initially announced candidates for 300 seats, ultimately contested 135, and failed to secure a single victory.

Today, the party is barely visible with its activities. Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury, the chairman of the party, has announced his retirement from politics, and the party will not contest the upcoming election. They have already notified the Election Commission, at least verbally, that they want to change the party's name.

"We're not thinking about the election," said Secretary General Taimur Alam Khandaker. "This government cannot deliver a fair poll as long as extortion and political muscle continue."

BSP: Election flop to new 'SunnI alliance'

Bangladesh Supreme Party (BSP), registered in August 2023, had burst into the scene with much fanfare. It fielded 79 candidates with the 'Ektara' symbol. Its chairman, Syed Saifuddin Ahmad Maizbhandari, contested Chattogram-2 (Fatikchhari) and received a little over 3,000 votes.

The party is now trying to turn the page by forming a new "Greater Sunni Alliance" with the Bangladeshi Islami Front and the Islamic Front Bangladesh. The alliance is eyeing candidates in all 300 seats and is already holding rallies with a 13-point set of demands.

"We've formed a new Sunni alliance and plan to contest nationwide," said Joint Secretary General Ibrahim Miah.