Awami League has reached a tentative decision regarding seat distribution with its allies among the 14-party alliance for the upcoming 12th national parliamentary election.
Despite discussions with its longstanding ally, Jatiya Party, a final agreement on seat allocation has yet to be reached.
Due to the imminent deadline for withdrawal of nomination papers on Sunday, Awami League leaders convened in two closed-door meetings on Saturday night to make a conclusive decision.
The initial meeting, held at the political office of the Awami League president in Dhanmondi at 5:30pm, lasted approximately an hour and a half.
Subsequently, the second meeting commenced at 9:30pm, followed by another session at 10:30pm. However, party representatives refrained from disclosing details about the discussions.
The closed-door meetings, conducted in the office secretary's room, were presided over by the party's general secretary, Obaidul Quader.
Attendees in the first meeting included Prime Minister's Adviser on Private Industry and Investment Salman F Rahman, Awami League Organizing Secretary BM Mozammel Haque, and Mirza Azam.
The second meeting saw the participation of Obaidul Quader, Salman F Rahman, BM Mozammel Haque, Mirza Azam, along with party secretary Barrister Biplab Barua, information and research secretary Dr Salim Mahmud, Executive Member Mohammad A Arafat, and Deputy Secretary Sayem Khan.
Sources within the party disclosed that both meetings primarily focused on negotiating seat settlements with partner and allied parties.
Earlier, Awami League had announced its decision to allocate seven seats to its allies within the 14-party alliance.
However, negotiations with Jatiya Party have encountered challenges, with the latter seeking concessions in 40 seats, while Awami League is reluctant to concede more than 26 seats.
Ongoing discussions revolve around finding a middle ground on this matter. There have been five rounds of discussions between Awami League and Jatiya Party regarding the seat compromise.