Eighty percent people the in BNP does not want to see Jamaat-e-Islami as their ally, says Bikalpa Dhara Senior Joint Secretary General Mahi B Chowdhury.
“This is the reality of BNP. We know that the BNP had to always fight with the fundamentalist elements and sought a liberal leadership. After being allies with Jamaat, the party is now in the process of ‘Jamaatising’,” he said while speaking at a discussion organised by Bangla Tribune on Tuesday.
After weeks of intense negotiations, the BNP, Gano Forum chief Dr Kamal Hossain-led Jatiya Oikya Prokriya, ASM Abdur Rab’s Jatiya Samajtantrik Dala (JSD) and Mahmudur Rahman Manna’s Nagorik Oikya formally launched a coalition styled ‘Jatiya Oikya Front’ on Oct 13.
Badruddoza-led Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh, however, was left out. A former president, Badruddoza floated the Jukto Front coalition last year with JSD and Nagorik Oikya.
In a separate press conference the same day, Badruddoza said they are not with the new coalition as the BNP did not sever ties with Jamaat.
“During the talks for forging an alliance, we have repeatedly called for a clear vision. The BNP-led 20-party Alliance has backed the Oikya Front,” said Mahi, the son of Badruddoza.
“Three days prior to the announcement (of the new alliance), the 20-party Alliance passed a resolution, which said the BNP will represent the coalition in Oikya Front, which means they represent Jamaat. It’s clear as day light,” he said.
Moderated by ATN News Chief Executive Editor Munni Saha, the discussion was attended by Daily Bhorer Kagoj Editor Shyamal Dutta, BNP Joint Secretary General Mahbubuddin Khokon, Gano Forum Presidium member AKM Jaglul Haider Afrik, Awami League Deputy Office Secretary Biplob Barua and Bangla Tribune Editor Zulfiqer Russell.

The talk-show, held at Bangla Tribune studio, was broadcast live on ATN News and webcast on Bangla Tribune’s site and Facebook page.