Religion based political parties are trying to form an alliance, keeping the 11th national election in mind. Non-religious parties may also join this alliance, hinted policy makers of such parties.
Sources say, religious parties have been carrying out activities for two years to form an alliance. After seceding from BNP on 7 January, 2016, Islami Aikkojot has become determined to form a new group.
Islami Aikkojot had meetings with Khelafat Majlish, Jamaete Ulemaye Islam, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon, Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party, Faraezi Andolon, Olama Committee and Khelafate Islami, Muslim League.
But party leaders were tight lipped about forming an alliance. For strategic reasons, formal launching may not happen before the declaration of electoral manifesto.
However, sources say, discussions are underway to formulate a preliminary outline for an alliance.
Ameer for one faction of Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon, Zafrullah Khan, told Bangla Tribune: “we are getting proposals from different parties, religious and non-religious in nature.”
At first, the procedure under which unity will be formed needs to be settled, he added.
“There is also the contentious issue of symbol.”
Talking on the matter, chairman of Islami Aikkojot, Moulana Abdul Latif Nezami, told Bangla Tribune: “we always felt the urge to forge an alliance with parties holding similar ideology; there have been discussions to this end.”
Once election draws near this will take an institutional form, he confirmed, saying: “at this moment, disclosing more would create mistrust among other potential allies.”