NCP, AB Party, Rastro Songskar Andolan forge new alliance

After months of talks, National Citizen Party, Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party) and Bangladesh Rastro Songskar Andolan have formed a new alliance ahead of February's national polls.

 NCP convener Nahid Islam yesterday formally announced the launch of the alliance, named Gonotantrik Songskar Jote, at a press briefing at Dhaka Reporters Unity in the capital.

Nahid, also the spokesperson for the alliance, made the announcement flanked by AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju, Rastro Songskar Andolan President Hasnat Kayum, and others.

The parties' leaders said they are working to expand the combine, with talks underway with Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD-Rob) and Nagorik Oikya.

Although expected to join the coalition, the Gono Odhikar Parishad eventually chose to opt out, according to a UNB report.

"Any party aligned with the spirit of the July uprising or interested in state reform is welcome to join [the alliance]," Nahid told reporters, adding that the alliance was forged to ensure state reforms and economic independence.

This is not just an electoral alliance; it is a political alliance.

— Nahid Islam, NCP convener

"Instead of pursuing reforms, the major parties are consumed by greed for seats in alliance with others … We have long been fighting for a sovereign Bangladesh. We, the allied parties, will stand together. This is not just an electoral alliance; it is a political alliance.

"We hope this alliance will stay united and contest the polls under one symbol.... This election is not about the mere exchange of power; our goal is reform."

He added, "However, the legal process regarding the issue of contesting the election under a single symbol will be further reviewed, and more details will be provided after that analysis."

According to a recent amendment to the Representation of the People Order 1972, candidates in an alliance must use their own electoral symbols instead of the coalition leader's symbol.

Nahid also said that the three parties should have come together earlier but could not due to unfortunate circumstances, adding that they tried to reach an understanding with older parties for reforms, "but it was a mistake".

AB Party Chairman Monju said the alliance aims to serve as a platform for political reforms, while Bangladesh Rastro Songskar Andolan President Hasnat Kayum said that Bangladesh "will no longer return to its old ways".

"We came together today [yesterday] to work towards a reformed and new Bangladesh," he said.