Political parties continue to reposition themselves ahead of the 13th National Parliament Election, forming new alliances, shifting platforms and negotiating seat prospects as the race intensifies.
Amid this shifting landscape, a three-party coalition named the Democratic Reform Alliance (DRA) was launched on Sunday at the Dhaka Reporters Unity.
The alliance, announced by National Citizens Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam, brings together the NCP, Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, and the Bangladesh Rashtra Sanskar Andolon.
Nahid Islam will serve as the bloc’s spokesperson.
Relevance questioned
With the Awami League absent from electoral calculations and the BNP-Jamaat drawing the spotlight through their separate coalition, analysts warn the new alliance faces an uphill struggle.
Political scientist Dr Zahed-ur Rahman told Dhaka Tribune that the DRA “cannot expect meaningful success” if it contests alone.
However, he noted the alliance could gain leverage if it negotiates with major parties such as BNP or Jamaat.
He said while the NCP has some visibility due to its July Movement roots, none of the three parties has yet established strong electoral relevance.
He added that although the DRA is unlikely to achieve significant success this cycle, “a sustained alliance could evolve into a larger force in the future.”
Alliance insiders insist they will perform unexpectedly well and say additional parties are in talks to join.
Who are the new alliance members?
All three DRA parties are newcomers, having received registration only after the July 2024 anti-discrimination movement.
Bangladesh Rashtra Sanskar Andolon (State Reform Movement): The oldest in terms of organizational roots, the movement began a decade ago under the banner Rashtrachinta, led by Hasnat Abdul Qayyum.
It formally became a political party in 2021 and secured registration in 2025. Qayyum continues as its president.
Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party: Formed by former leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami, including former Shibir president Mujibur Rahman Manju, the AB Party emerged from the Janaakshaar Bangladesh platform in 2020.
Its early leadership included former secretary Solaiman Patwari as convener and Manju as member secretary. After internal restructuring during the interim government, Manju became president and Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad was appointed secretary. The party received its registration after the July Uprising.
National Citizens Party (NCP): Born directly from the anti-discrimination student movement, the NCP was formed by student leaders who later transitioned into formal politics. It was launched officially on February 28, and received its EC registration the same year.
Alliance leaders express optimism
Despite scepticism among analysts, DRA leaders remain confident.
Hasnat Abdul Qayyum said the alliance “is not solely election-centric,” but aims to drive long-term structural reform. He added that more parties are expected to join soon.
Sarwar Tushar, Joint Convener of the NCP, said the DRA intends to mobilise the youth and will continue beyond this election.
He claimed several alliance candidates, including NCP’s Shapla Koli, may deliver “surprise victories.”
Barrister Jobayer Ahmed of the AB Party said public disenchantment with traditional parties could push voters toward newer alternatives and suggested the alliance may attract significant youth support.
‘Cannot be election controllers’
Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) General Secretary Abdullah Kafi Ratan dismissed the alliance’s electoral strength, saying none of the three parties can independently win seats.
He argued they might secure “one or two seats” only through agreements with major parties.
He also noted that even partnering with Jamaat would not guarantee success, as the latter has historically performed well only in a limited number of constituencies.
“The question is who can tap into the Awami League’s former vote bank,” he said.
