Ahead of the 13th parliamentary election, a new political platform titled the Democratic Reform Alliance has been launched, bringing together three parties — the National Citizen Party (NCP), Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party) and Rashtra Sangskar Andolan.
The announcement was made on Sunday, 7 December, at a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters Unity, where NCP convenor Nahid Islam introduced the alliance. He will also serve as its spokesperson.
Announcing the alliance, Nahid said, “In the last one and a half years since 2024, we have faced a lot of disappointments. Certain quarters, directly and indirectly, have resisted and tried to obstruct the reform initiatives of the Consensus Commission.
“In such a situation, we three parties have united in favor of reforms. This process of unity will continue.”
The NCP convener further said, “This is not just an electoral alliance – it is also a political alliance. We will contest the elections together. We are also in discussions with several other political forces and parties. In the next election, we will contest together under a single electoral symbol.
“Anyone who thinks they can win the next election through brute force or by exploiting religion will not succeed.”
Nahid then pointed out, “Many are being drawn into various alliances with the lure of seats. We are politely rejecting all such offers.
“The youth have risen. The people will stand with us. We made a mistake by being part of the reform process with the old parties. From now on, we will stand with new forces. More new parties will gradually join us.”
Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party) Chairman Mojibur Rahman Bhuiyan Monju said, “We have long been trying to bring together those who aspire to a new political arrangement, so that we can reach a consensus.
“We have made various efforts. We will not say we have been very successful, but we have begun the journey. Today, we are here to announce that new journey. People are thinking about a new political landscape, and we are initiating that journey.”
He added, “Initially, three political parties have joined hands to stand here today. I want to say one thing – old politics could not defeat old fascism.
“We must realise that the traditional political parties tried their best, fought, struggled, sacrificed lives, endured imprisonment, faced enforced disappearances and killings – yet Hasina’s fascism could not be defeated.”
The alliance stated that it represents “the electoral and political unity of parties committed to upholding the pledges of the July Mass Uprising and building a new political consensus.”
Although there were initial plans to include the Gono Odhikar Parishad, they ultimately did not join the alliance. Through this alliance, the participating parties plan to strengthen their presence in the upcoming election with coordinated strategies and campaigning.
Present at the event were Advocate Hasnat Kaiyum, President of Bangladesh Rashtra Sangskar Andolon; Akhter Hossen, member secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP); Sarjis Alam, chief organiser (Northern Region) of NCP; and SM Saif Mostafiz, joint member secretary.
