With less than six months left for the national election, Left parties, which are not in the coalitions led by the Awami League and BNP, are considering for forming a separate alliance.
However, the pressing concern for them now is how the election will be held. They say the Election Commission, as well as the ruling party, should open initiatives on resolving the issues of a polls-time administration.
According to people familiar with the matter, Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Socialist Party of Bangladesh (BaSaD), Biplobi Workers Party, Ganatantrik Biplobi Party, United Communist League of Bangladesh, Samajtantrik Andolon, Ganashangati Andolon and BaSaD (Marxists) will initially consist of the coalition.
“The people of Bangladesh do not want the Awami League or BNP in power anymore and is seeking a third option. If we decide to take part then it will be as a coalition of CPB, BaSaD and the Ganatantrik Bam Morcha (an alliance of small left parties). Besides this, parties in line with the spirit of the 1971 war can join us,” CPB General Secretary Mujahidul Islam Selim told Bangla Tribune.
He, however, said the talks on forming a coalition are at its “initial stage”.
The coalition plans to float candidates in 200 constituencies, says BaSad General Secretary Khalequzzaman.
“No details have been finalised,” he told Bangla Tribune.
Khalequzzaman, however, says the total electoral process has been ruined. “So the issue of a polls-time administration has to be resolved upon inputs from all political parties.”
CPB leader Selim says a restructuring the election commission is one of the prerequisites of the election.
“It’s not capable of holding a fair and credible election, which is clear from the recent local government polls,” he said adding that the electoral code of conduct has to be revised.
However, Left parties which sat out from the 2014 polls, including the CPB, have to take part in the upcoming one due to a Constitutional provision which will scraps their registration.