Seven Qawmi-oriented Islamic political parties have held discussions on conducting political activities under a common banner named “Somomona Islami Dal” without forming a new political party.
They aim to manage relations with existing political alliances, and exploring the possibility of contesting local government elections under the same banner.
The discussions took place on Thursday during a liaison committee meeting of the seven parties, led by Hefazat-e-Islam, at a madrasa in the capital’s Khilgaon.
This meeting covered the structural framework of the unity process, operations under the common banner, and future action plans.
Common banner and party identities
According to sources, a decision in principle was taken to work together under a common banner while preserving the independent identity of each party.
Discussions were held on whether parties currently allied with political entities such as BNP or Jamaat-e-Islami would join this unity initiative and work together, with the matter of taking subsequent steps through consensus with respective alliances coming up.
In addition, as Jamaat-e-Islami plans to contest local government elections independently, the meeting addressed the electoral position of parties within the Jamaat-led 11-party electoral alliance.
The possibility of these parties participating in local polls under the new common banner was also discussed.
Objections raised by certain parties regarding the imposition of conditions on remaining in other political alliances surfaced during the session, with emphasis placed on the need for further talks to reach an understanding.
Alliance ties, charter implementation
The discussions further encompassed the relations of parties associated with the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance, participation in the movement to implement the July National Charter and the referendum verdict, and alliance ties with the BNP.
Meeting sources said discussions took place with parties allied with the BNP and Jamaat concerning leaving their alliances, though no final decision has been reached yet.
An anonymous leader present at the meeting told Times that parties in the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance remain reluctant to leave the alliance, whereas the party in the BNP alliance is positive about leaving subject to conditions.
Next steps and attendees
To finalise the principles and procedures of the unity process, discussions were held on convening the next meeting on 5 December.
Several meetings among the seven parties took place previously, and the process of forming an alliance of Qawmi-oriented parties remains ongoing amidst various internal divisions.
The meeting was attended by Maulana Sajidur Rahman, secretary general of Hefazat-e-Islam; Maulana Junaid Al Habib, joint secretary general of Hefazat-e-Islam; Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman, secretary general of Islami Andolan Bangladesh; Maulana Manjurul Islam Afendi, secretary general of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh; and Maulana Bahauddin Zakaria, senior joint secretary general of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh.
