The 11-party alliance, led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP), has hit a deadlock over seat-sharing negotiations ahead of the upcoming national election.
A scheduled press conference to announce the alliance’s candidate list was abruptly postponed today. While alliance coordinator and Jamaat Assistant Secretary General AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad cited "unavoidable reasons," insiders suggest a deepening rift between Jamaat and its key partner, Islami Andolon Bangladesh (IAB).
Seat Demands: Islami Andolon is reportedly seeking over 70 seats, while Jamaat has offered 40–45. Similarly, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, led by Maulana Mamunul Haque, requested 25 seats but was offered 15.
Unilateral Decisions: Alliance partners have accused Jamaat of making independent deals with the NCP, LDP, and AB Party without prior consultation.
Trust Deficit: IAB spokesperson Gazi Ataur Rahman hinted that the alliance is not "irreversible," noting that the January 20 deadline for nomination withdrawal allows for a shift in strategy.
Jamaat leaders initially claimed the briefing was deferred at IAB’s request, a claim the latter officially denied. Amid the uncertainty, Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman called for patience and restraint via social media.
While seat-sharing with nine other partners is nearly finalized, the alliance’s future depends on whether Jamaat and IAB can resolve their "mistrust" before the February 12 polls.
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