11-party alliance distributes 179 seats to Jamaat, 30 to NCP, leaves 47 vacant for Islami Andolan

The Jamaat-led 11-party alliance has announced its candidate distribution for the upcoming national election in 253 constituencies, reserving 179 seats for Jamaat-e-Islami, 30 for the National Citizen Party (NCP), and leaving 47 seats vacant for Islami Andolan Bangladesh.

Announcing the seats at a press conference at the Institution of Diploma Engineers in Dhaka today (15 January), Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher said, "Past elections were contests for a change of power. This election is a contest to protect our existence."

Other seat allocations include 20 for Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, 10 for Khelafat Majlis, seven for the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), three for AB Party, and two each for Nizam-e-Islam Party and Bangladesh Development Party.

Seat-sharing for the Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon and Jatiya Ganatantrik Party remained undecided.

Although the press conference was scheduled to begin at 8pm, it started around 8:40pm. Notably, Islami Andolan Bangladesh did not send any representative, reflecting uncertainty over the party's role in the alliance.

Sheikh Fazlul Karim Maruf, IAB's Central Publicity and Dawah Secretary, confirmed the absence.

Speaking at the conference, Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman said, "We no longer want the old politics – the politics that becomes authoritarian and imposes itself on the people. That is why we have introduced an inclusive political system."

"We are hopeful that you will ensure the victory of the people. Just as in the past, no rigged election will be accepted by the public. I call on the youth to go out and vote and return keeping track of the election process," he added.

Regarding Islami Andolan, Shafiqur Rahman said, "They are working things out amongst themselves. I hope they will join us."

According to alliance sources, Islami Andolan demanded at least 70 seats, and Jamaat and its allies are continuing efforts to keep the party within the alliance.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convenor Nahid Islam said, "Today, we are witnessing a historic moment. Parties supporting reform, standing for Bangladesh's freedom, and opposing inequality have come together. This is not just about electoral politics.

"None of our party's candidates will contest individually; instead, candidates will run on behalf of the 11-party alliance. We will all cooperate with each other and ensure the July Charter wins in the referendum."

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Col (retd) Oli Ahmed said, "You have seen the rule of the Awami League and the BNP. Now we urge the people to support a government based on justice and free of corruption."

"We have not come to rule the people; we are here to serve them," he added.

Addressing the Election Commission, he said, "Do not follow injustice or show favouritism to anyone. Do what is best for the people of the country."