Ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled for February 12, a press conference to formally announce the final seat-sharing arrangement between Jamaat-e-Islami and its 11 allied parties was postponed at the last moment on Wednesday.
The press conference had been scheduled for 4:30pm on the second floor of the Freedom Fighters Hall at the Diploma Engineers Institute in Purana Paltan, Dhaka. It was called off amid disagreements within the alliance over seat distribution and the failure to reach a consensus.
Confirming the development, Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General and coordinator of the 11-party seat-sharing alliance, Dr Hamidur Rahman Azad, said: “The press conference announced for Wednesday at 4:30 pm has been postponed due to unavoidable circumstances. A new date or the timing of the final announcement has not yet been decided.”
Meanwhile, Islami Andolan Bangladesh Senior Joint Secretary General and spokesperson Gazi Ataur Rahman said discussions with Jamaat over seat-sharing have become complicated.
Speaking at a press briefing, he said: “January 20 is the final date for withdrawal of nomination papers, and the election will be held on February 12. Anything can happen before then. We are continuing discussions with those who show respect toward us.”
He said Islami Andolan Bangladesh is continuing negotiations with Jamaat and other alliance partners regarding seat-sharing. The party has demanded 50 seats, while Jamaat is unwilling to concede more than 40, leaving the issue unresolved.
“There are some challenges regarding seat allocation, but the situation has not yet reached a point where we would withdraw from the electoral alliance. We are trying to preserve national unity and maintain at least a minimum level of consensus,” he said.
Gazi Ataur Rahman said discussions are ongoing based on internal party meetings, grassroots-level data, and feedback from candidates.
“We are maintaining contact with those who have been with us from the beginning. Discussions are ongoing with the 12 parties in the alliance, and talks are also being held with other political parties,” he said.
He also warned that divisions within the alliance could benefit the BNP, but said responsibility for such an outcome would not rest with his party.
“There are no new discussions with the BNP. They have already determined their own alliance and plans. Our position will be decided through dialogue, taking the overall situation of the country into consideration,” he said.
Emphasizing his party’s stance, he added: “If any decision is imposed within the alliance, we will not accept it. Our party has never practiced such politics in the past. We will make every effort to preserve national unity. Maintaining a minimum consensus before the election remains our primary objective.”
Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman, in a post addressed to party leaders and activists on his verified Facebook page on Wednesday, January 14, called for patience and restraint.
“Through great sacrifice and devotion, and by the special grace of Allah, our beloved organization and our country have reached this stage,” he wrote.
“This is a critically important time for national life. Everyone must demonstrate the utmost wisdom and patience, act responsibly, and refrain from any negative activities. Our sole objective is to attain the pleasure of Allah. Insha’Allah, we will all demonstrate the highest level of responsibility.”
