A new political alliance styled the Islamic Democratic Alliance (IDA) has been launched.

Bangladesh Islami Oikya Jote (IOJ) Chairman Mizhbahur Rahman Chowdhury and former Secretary General of Tarikwat Federation MA Awal will lead the front, sources said.

Most of the members of the 15-party coalition is not registered with the Election Commission. 

The alliance emerged at a press conference in the capital’s Imperial Hotel on Saturday.

The 13 others in the coalition are, Democratic Islamic Movement of Nurul Islam Khan, Bangladesh Islamic Party of MA Rashid Pradhan, Bangladesh National Awami Party NAP (Bhashani Fraction) of Hasrat Khan Bhashani, Ruma Ali’s Bangladesh Democratic Front, Bangladesh Jamiyate Darus Sunnah of Maulana Shah Mostakim Billah Siddiqui, Bangladeshi Islamic Democratic Forum of Moulana Harisul Haque, Hakim Golam Mostafa’s Bangladesh Gono Kafela, Bangladesh Janseba Andolon of Mufti Fakhrul Islam, Bangladesh Peoples Democratic Party of Kazi Masud Ahmed, Islami Peshajibi Parishad of Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Islami Union Bangladesh of Mufti Syed Mahdi Hasan Bulbul, Khwaja Mohibullah Shantipuri’s Bangladesh Manobadhikar Andolon and the National Labor Party of Abdullah Zia.

In his written statement, Awal, who is the spokesperson of the coalition, said that they will announce programmes in a public rally slated for early next month.

Referring to unregistered parties in the alliance, IOJ chief Mizhbahur said, “They have already filed documents with the Election Commission and we expect it will be cleared before the polls.”