NCP, AB Party, Rastro Songskar Andolon launch new alliance to contest polls, push reforms
"The joint initiative on behalf of the three political parties is the result of long efforts. Our alliance will be called the ‘Gonotantrik Sangskar Jote’,” says the alliance spokesperson Nahid Islam.
The National Citizen Party (NCP), Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party), and Rastro Songskar Andolon have formed a new election-focused alliance named "Gonotantrik Sangskar Jote".
The announcement was made at a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) in the capital this afternoon (7 December).
Briefing reporters, NCP Convener Nahid Islam said the alliance process is not just election-centric; it is the result of more than two years of long-term efforts. "Our alliance will be called the 'Gonotantrik Sangskar Jote'."
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"This election will not be held merely for a change of power. It will be for political transformation and economic liberation," he added.
Nahid further said, "We have seen certain forces actively trying to resist reforms in the National Consensus Commission. Those who stood for reforms have now come together, and it will continue. We are committed to building a new Bangladesh."
He said that NCP leaders were in contact with Rastro Songskar Andolon and AB Party since their university activism days. "We will also participate in the election together. During the election, we will unite the people in support of reforms."
When asked who would lead the alliance, the NCP chief said, "We have not finalised the structure yet. The demands of the alliance are what matter – not who leads it. We are all leaders of the alliance."
He also informed that more parties will join the coalition. "Discussions with more parties are ongoing. The alliance will move forward united under the spirit of the July Uprising."
At the press conference, AB Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Bhuiyan Monju introduced Nahid as the spokesperson of the alliance.
Monju said, "The public has become disillusioned with old politics. People are frustrated. The way forward is a new political arrangement. Today we announce a new journey. Even if everything is not fully organised yet, three parties have come together with a message of new politics."
Rastro Songskar Andolon President Hasnat Quaiyum said Bangladesh achieved great milestones in its 55-year history, but political failures have overshadowed those achievements. "To move beyond the structure of authoritarianism, we are beginning this new journey."
'UP Bangladesh, Gono Odhikar Parishad will not be included'
Earlier in the day, Hasnat Quaiyum told The Business Standard that the three parties have reached a consensus on forming the alliance after extensive discussions.
The platform will remain open for other parties to join as well, he said.
Hasnat further said, "United People's Bangladesh (UP Bangladesh) will not be included for now due to objections from the NCP. Gono Odhikar Parishad will also not be part of the alliance at this stage."
Beyond this, discussions are ongoing with Nagorik Oikko and several Islamic parties, Hasnat added.
NCP leaders said that although the party had previously planned to contest the election alone, the evolving situation has led them to pursue an alliance.
Yesterday, the party's Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary said that NCP will contest the upcoming national election without entering into any seat-sharing deals.
"We will not seek seat-sharing deals with any party. We will move forward alone with dignity. The politics of seat distribution would no longer continue in Bangladesh," he added.
Earlier, on Friday night, Nahid Islam told reporters that the party had not reached any public or private understanding with anyone.
"Yet the media has been spreading misinformation and negative coverage about us. People want to see new possibilities and new leadership. The NCP is moving forward independently to offer that politics," he said.
He added that the NCP is preparing for the election in its own way and is in the process of finalising its list of candidates.
"We want to advance our political agenda. We are not interested in joining any alliance, although a third alliance process is ongoing," Nahid said.
Nahid further said, "However, we have not stopped discussing or considering alliances with political parties. Decisions must be taken based on the situation. If any such decision becomes necessary to protect the interests of the people, we are open to it. But we are not currently in any alliance process or negotiation with anyone. We are preparing on our own."
