A new political party, United Liberal Party (ULP), has officially launched in Bangladesh. Previously known as Labour Party, one of the allies in the 12-Party Alliance, an offshoot of the 20-party BNP-led 20-party alliance formed in 2022 and includes Jatiya Party, Bangladesh Jatiya Dal, and the National Democratic Party, among others.
The inauguration ceremony and discussion event took place on Wednesday at the National Press Club in Dhaka, with Aminul Islam announced as the new chairman of the party.
Speaking as chief guest, 12-Party Alliance Chairman Mostafa Jamal Haider welcomed the initiative and praised Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus for announcing the upcoming election roadmap.
“Although conspiracies have not ceased, I believe we are moving toward a resolution of major national issues,” he said, referring to his earlier prediction that the government would declare election dates within days, confirmed by the chief adviser in his national address.
Highlighting the fragmented nature of Bangladesh’s political culture, Haider lamented the absence of unity among opposition forces. “Political fragmentation has overtaken our national discourse. But this new party, ULP, is a positive step. Its emergence in the spirit of August 5 is hopeful,” he added.
Calling for unwavering unity, especially in the face of possible sabotage, Haider emphasised that defeating fascism must remain the collective goal. “We must not become complacent. We have to maintain anti-fascist unity at all costs,” he added.
Syed Ehsanul Huda, co-ordinator of the 12-Party Alliance, also warned of conspiracies aimed at fracturing the current opposition alliance. “We are on the path to building a just Bangladesh, earned through great sacrifice. But if we break ranks, fascism will return. People are eager to vote, and we must deliver.”
In his presidential address, ULP Chairman Md. Aminul Islam stated, “We have suffered under Sheikh Hasina’s autocratic regime – oppression, imprisonment, and attacks. Yet we never left the streets. We stood firm with the BNP and the 12-Party movement, and we will continue to fight, Insha’Allah.”
He added that while the anti-fascist movement has made progress, fascism has not been fully uprooted. “Under the leadership of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, we will work towards building a just and prosperous Bangladesh. ULP will remain aligned with the 12-Party Alliance in this ongoing struggle.”
The program concluded with a prayer led by Dr. Golam Mohiuddin Ikram.
The event, chaired by Md. Aminul Islam and moderated by ULP Senior Vice Chairman Md. Humayun Kabir, featured speeches from leaders of allied parties.
Among them were Master M.A. Mannan of the New Democratic Party, Abu Hanif of Bangladesh Kalyan Party, Dr. Golam Mohiuddin Ikram of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, Mufti Zakir Hossain, Mufti Shawkat Amin of Islami Oikya Jote, Firoz Mahmud Liton of the PNP, and ULP Acting Secretary General Kamruzzaman Khan.