Nearly three months after the formation of the BNP-led government, several coalition partners from the anti-Awami League simultaneous movement have voiced dissatisfaction, alleging that expectations of coordination, recognition and inclusion have not been fulfilled in practice.
During the movement against the Awami League, BNP’s alliance partners were a key political strength, with around 50 parties participating in street demonstrations and successive phases of agitation. However, leaders from several of these parties now say the post-election arrangement has not reflected the level of cooperation seen during the opposition period.
They allege that while they were given importance during the movement and election campaign, the BNP has since adopted what they describe as a “go-it-alone” approach in governance, limiting their involvement in key decisions and state processes.
The BNP-led movement brought together platforms such as the Ganatantra Mancha, the 12-Party Alliance, the Nationalist Like-Minded Alliance, Gono Odhikar Parishad and Gono Forum. Ahead of the election, BNP also left several parliamentary seats for alliance partners under seat-sharing arrangements. However, allies say that after the formation of the government, expected roles in decision-making, state institutions and reserved women’s seats have not materialized.
Alliance leaders say the gap between pre-election assurances and post-election realities has created frustration, arguing that coordination mechanisms active during the movement have not been institutionalized in governance.
Mustafa Jamal Haider, chief of the 12-Party Alliance and chairman of the Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar), said allies expected continued partnership in state affairs.
“Our struggle with the BNP has been long. We fought together on the streets. Now we want the opportunity to work for the country. Our experience and opinions should be used in governance,” he said.
Saiful Haque, leader of the Ganatantra Mancha and general secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh, said stronger coordination is needed.
“To strengthen democracy and advance the government’s democratic activities, closer coordination with allies is necessary,” he said.
Political analysts say alliance politics in opposition and alliance management in government differ significantly, as questions of power-sharing and institutional representation become more prominent after assuming office. In that context, they note that some dissatisfaction among allies is expected.
Ahead of the election, several leaders from different parties either left their organizations or dissolved them to join BNP’s movement and electoral process. Some were elected to parliament, while others were defeated. However, months after the transition, several say they still lack defined organizational roles or political responsibilities.
Party sources say some defeated candidates within the alliance are expecting recognition of their contributions, including possible representation in the upper house or appointments to party and state-related positions.
Despite seat-sharing arrangements, representation of alliance partners in parliament remains limited. Four candidates from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam were defeated, while several other alliance-backed candidates also failed to secure seats.
Only three alliance leaders won parliamentary seats, all under their own party symbols: Zonayed Saki of Ganosamhati Andolon, Nurul Haque Nur of Gono Odhikar Parishad and Andaleeve Rahman Partho of the Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP). Among them, Saki and Nur were later included in the BNP-led government cabinet. Separately, Bobby Hajjaj, who left the NDM and contested under the BNP’s “Sheaf of Paddy” symbol, also won and became a state minister.
A section of alliance leaders believes the unity forged during the movement has not been institutionalized in governance structures, raising concerns over a gradual distancing between partners.
In this backdrop, a potential post-Eid-ul-Azha meeting between BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman and alliance leaders is seen as significant. Sources said allies may raise issues related to their role in government, political recognition and future cooperation.
BNP leaders, however, maintain that engagement with allies continues. Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan said discussions are ongoing despite logistical constraints.
“Talks with simultaneous allies are ongoing. There are many partner parties, and it takes time to sit with everyone,” he said.
Still, several allies say a gap remains between political commitments made during the movement and current governance realities. Whether the proposed post-Eid meeting can narrow that gap remains uncertain.
Nationalist Like-Minded Alliance leader and National People’s Party (NPP) chairman Dr Fariduzzaman Farhad said allies would raise their concerns collectively if the meeting takes place.
“We have heard that a meeting may be called after Eid. If it is decided, we will jointly determine our agenda. We will discuss what we did during the opposition period and what BNP is doing now,” he said.