Dhaka: The Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-Party Electoral Alliance has finalized a seat-sharing arrangement for 253 constituencies, reserving the remaining slots for the Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB), which notably did not participate in the press conference held to announce the agreement. This event took place at the Diploma Engineers Institute auditorium, having been rescheduled from an earlier time.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the announcement detailed that Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami will contest 179 seats, the National Citizen Party (NCP) 30 seats, Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis 20 seats, Khilafat Majlis 10 seats, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) 7 seats, Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party) 3 seats, Bangladesh Development Party (BDP) 2 seats, and Nezam-e-Islam 2 seats. The alliance emphasized that only one candidate would represent the alliance in each seat, ensuring no internal competition and a concerted effort to secure victories.
The alliance has kept 47 seats unallocated, hinting that discussions with the IAB, previously the second-largest party in the alliance, are ongoing. The absence of IAB representatives at the press conference was noted, as the party is set to hold its own press conference to discuss its stance on the arrangement.
Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman addressed the press, emphasizing the alliance’s mission to liberate the nation from a long-standing political system. He declared a commitment to opposing electoral malpractice and maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
In response to questions, Dr. Rahman clarified that the alliance remains unified despite IAB’s absence, indicating ongoing communication and expressing hope for their continued participation. Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher underscored the significance of the upcoming election, framing it as critical to the nation’s future.
NCP Convener Nahid Islam highlighted the alliance’s historical importance, linking it to the broader aspirations of the nation post-Liberation War. The press conference was attended by various alliance leaders, including LDP President Col (retd) Oli Ahmed and NCP’s Naseruddin Patwari, among others.