Jamaat, NCP Reach Electoral Understanding with Eight-Party Alliance; LDP Joins Coalition

An electoral understanding has been reached between the National Citizen Party (NCP) and an eight-party alliance that includes Jamaat-e-Islami. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), led by retired Colonel Oli Ahmed, has also joined the agreement.

The announcement was made on Sunday afternoon at an emergency press conference held at the National Press Club in Dhaka by Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman. He said that at a critical juncture in Bangladesh’s national life, eight parties had been working together with a commitment to building a corruption-free and just Bangladesh. With the inclusion of the LDP and the NCP, the alliance has now expanded further.

Shafiqur Rahman said a meeting with NCP leaders had concluded shortly before the press conference. He noted that NCP leaders could not attend the event due to time constraints and would hold discussions within their party. NCP Convener Nahid Islam has directly communicated with leaders of the eight-party alliance and conveyed their decision. The NCP is expected to formally announce its position at a separate press conference.

Describing the development as a strong electoral understanding among 10 parties, the Jamaat chief said that candidate allocation for all 300 parliamentary seats across the country has largely been determined through mutual consultations. Two parties are at the final stage of seat negotiations. He added that although several other parties had expressed interest in joining the seat-sharing arrangement, it was not feasible to include them at this stage, and he expressed regret to those parties.

Regarding seat allocation, Shafiqur Rahman said the process was “almost complete,” adding that any remaining minor issues would be resolved through dialogue immediately after nomination papers are filed. He expressed confidence that no major problems would arise.

With less than one and a half months remaining before the national election, he said the parties are committed to ensuring a free, fair, and acceptable election on the scheduled date. He emphasized that the government and the Election Commission must fulfill their responsibilities, noting that a level playing field has not yet been fully ensured for all parties.

He warned that voters were unable to exercise their voting rights in the last three elections and said any attempt to deprive people of their right to vote in the upcoming election would not be tolerated.

Responding to questions from journalists about the details of seat distribution, Shafiqur Rahman said full details would be disclosed soon. Asked whether the expanded alliance constitutes an electoral coalition, he said it is a coalition for nation-building that also serves electoral and political purposes.

On whether the parties would continue joint movements in the future, he said they hope to work together on national issues when necessary, while maintaining their respective party programs.

He also clarified that no single party is unilaterally allocating seats, stressing that seat sharing is being conducted on the basis of fairness and mutual agreement.

LDP Chairman Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmed was seated beside the Jamaat Ameer at the press conference but did not make any statement. The event was moderated by Khilafat Majlis Ameer Mamunul Haque, who said the alliance should now be referred to as a 10-party electoral understanding following the inclusion of two new parties.

Leaders from several other allied parties were also present at the press conference.