A 'third force' taking shape? Talks underway to form 9-party alliance

Discussions are underway to form a new nine-party alliance as a potential "third force" ahead of the upcoming national election, with talks involving the National Citizen Party (NCP), Gono Odhikar Parishad, AB Party, and the Gonotontro Moncho.

Multiple sources within the NCP told The Daily Star that the initiative aims to build a coalition outside the spheres of BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami.

However, Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan, in a Facebook post today, said that the alliance is not being formed "under the leadership of NCP."

He said NCP has proposed an alliance with "joint leadership" to the Gono Odhikar Parishad.

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Parties far apart on crucial issues

The potential nine-party coalition would reportedly include the six progressive left-leaning parties currently under the "Gonotontro Moncho".

Sources said the bloc -- comprising Ganosamhati Andolan, JSD, Nagorik Oikya, Biplobi Workers Party, Bhasani Jonosokti Party, and Rashtra Sanskar Andolan -- will remain united and join any new alliance collectively.

A leader from Ganosamhati Andolan, seeking anonymity, told The Daily Star that the Zonayed Saki-led party is keeping its options open and could align with either BNP or the NCP.