In order to build greater national unity, the smaller parties, led by veteran politicians, want to have separate meetings with BNP prior to 11th national elections.
In achieving this aim, many deem Jamaat as the main obstacle. However, BNP feels that if national unity is established, a successful movement against AL will only be a matter of time.
Of the smaller parties, Bikalpa Dhara, Nagorik Oikko, Krishak Sramik Janata League, JSD and Gonoforum have taken a positive stance to foster electoral unity.
Several leaders of these parties have so far had informal talks.
Coordinator and convener of Nagorik Oikko, Mahmudur Rahman Manna told Bangla Tribune: “if BNP wants we can sit with them.”
Dr Kamal Hossain’s statement on Khaleda Zia’s bail has added a new dimension to the political history of the country, feels politicians.
His statement to the media on 12 March last read: Khaleda Zia’s bail was approved in high court; in such cases, regular bail is essential. Rule and neutral application of law come from an independent judiciary and this has to be understood by all.
Krishak Sramik Janata League’s president, Kader Siddiqui, also gave an affirmative statement to the bail order of Khaleda Zia. Meanwhile, BNP has extended support to Siddiqui’s candidate in Tangail.
Krishak Sramik Janata’s joint general secretary, Iqbal Siddiqui, said: “BNP has withdrawn its candidate and declared their support for us.”
At several events during Ramadan, Bikalpa dhara president and former president, Dr. AQM Badruddoza, demanded the release of Khaleda Zia plus a neutral caretaker government during election.
Regarding unity with other parties, BNP secretary general, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, said on Thursday: “to change the current condition, we need a united platform.”
We are working towards it and if we succeed then AL will not be able to remain in power for long, he asserted.
JSD general secretary, Abdul Malek Ratan, told Bangla Tribune: “as a pre-condition to unity, BNP has to clarify its position; talks must be open because we do not want another AL.”
There’s no guarantee that democracy will be restored if BNP replaces AL.
However, all small parties oppose BNP’s ally, Jamaat, which is an anti-liberation party.
Two years ago, during a meeting with Khaleda Zia, Kader Siddiqui said: “I am not even willing to go to heaven with Jamaat.”
There is a feeling that the question of Jamaat will be the sticking point in BNP’s talks with small parties.
However, Jamaat central working committee member, advocate Ehsanul Zubaer, told Bangla Tribune: “we do not regard our party to be an obstacle.”
Meanwhile, a senior member of BNP standing committee told Bangla Tribune: “once the process for a united front begins, we can say whether Jamaat will be included or rejected.”
At this moment, everyone is positive about a united platform and that’s heartening.