by Firoz Al Mamun
Bangladesh, Dec 28, 2025:
Jamaat-e-Islami and eight like-minded parties have reached an electoral understanding with the National Citizen Party (NCP), with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) led by retired Colonel Oli Ahmed also joining the platform.
The announcement was made on Sunday afternoon at an emergency press conference at the National Press Club in Dhaka.
Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman said the alliance had been working with a shared commitment to rebuilding the country and establishing a corruption-free, just Bangladesh at a critical moment in national life.
He noted that while eight parties had been working together so far, the LDP and NCP have now formally joined the initiative, expanding the platform.
Shafiqur Rahman said discussions with the NCP concluded shortly before the press conference.
He explained that NCP leaders could not attend the briefing due to time constraints and would instead hold their own party-level meeting and a separate press conference.
He added that NCP Convener Nahid Islam had directly communicated with leaders of the eight-party alliance and conveyed the party’s decision to join.
Describing the alliance as a strong 10-party electoral understanding, the Jamaat chief said the parties had held internal discussions to determine candidates for all 300 parliamentary constituencies.
He said seat negotiations with the two newly joined parties were at the final stage.
Although several other parties had shown interest in joining the seat-sharing process, he said it had become difficult to include them at this point.
He expressed regret for being unable to accommodate their interest.
On seat allocation, Shafiqur Rahman said the process was almost complete, with only minor issues remaining.
He expressed confidence that any outstanding matters would be resolved through dialogue shortly after nomination papers are filed.
With less than one and a half months remaining before the national election, he said all parties in the alliance are committed to ensuring a free, fair, and credible vote.
He added that the parties want the election to be held on the scheduled date without any manipulation.
Shafiqur Rahman said the government and the Election Commission must fully discharge their responsibilities to ensure a level playing field for all parties.
He claimed that equal conditions have not yet been ensured and urged the authorities to act impartially, free from pressure, fear, inducement, or favoritism.
Referring to the last three elections, he said voters were deprived of their right to vote.
He warned that any attempt to obstruct voting in the upcoming election would not be tolerated.
Responding to questions about seat-sharing details, he said the remaining specifics would be disclosed very soon.
Asked whether the expanded platform should be viewed strictly as an electoral alliance, Shafiqur Rahman said it is a broader coalition aimed at nation-building.
He said the platform covers political, electoral, and cooperative objectives.
He also expressed hope that the allied parties would stand together in future movements on national issues.
He added that each party would continue its own organisational programmes.
Clarifying the decision-making process, the Jamaat chief said no single party would unilaterally distribute seats.
He said constituencies would be allocated on the basis of fairness and mutual consensus.
During the press conference, LDP Chairman Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmed was seated beside the Jamaat Ameer but did not make any remarks.
The briefing was moderated by Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis Ameer Mamunul Haque.
He said the platform is now being described as a 10-party electoral understanding following the inclusion of two new parties.
Leaders present at the event included Islami Andolon Bangladesh Presidium Member Ashraf Ali Akon, Khilafat Majlis Secretary General Ahmad Abdul Qader, Bangladesh Khilafat Andolon Nayeb-e-Ameer Mujibur Rahman Hamidi, JAGPA spokesperson Rashed Pradhan, and Jamaat’s liaison committee representative and Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad, among others.
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