BNP and its coalition partners have agreed on the need to strengthen coordination and reduce internal differences following the first formal meeting between Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman and leaders of the parties that joined the anti-government movement during 2022 to 2024.
Held at the state guest house Jamuna in Dhaka on Monday evening, the meeting marked the first official engagement between the prime minister and the coalition partners since the government assumed office five months ago. The discussion focused on the government's performance, coalition coordination, political inclusion, and the role of allies in governance.
According to leaders who attended the meeting, coalition partners welcomed the opportunity for direct dialogue but also expressed longstanding grievances over what they described as inadequate political recognition and limited participation in decision-making.
Saiful Haque, general secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh and a leader of the Ganatantra Mancha, said the coalition had played an equal role during the anti-government movement but had received little attention after the BNP formed the government.
He stressed that regular consultations and greater political recognition for allies were essential to maintaining the unity built during the movement.
Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna praised several government initiatives but emphasized the importance of strengthening coordination within the alliance.
Abu Hanif, a senior leader of Gono Odhikar Parishad, said coalition leaders candidly shared their concerns and expectations with the prime minister. According to him, Tarique Rahman listened attentively and assured the allies that their contributions would be properly recognized.
Several leaders also raised the issue of greater representation in different levels of the administration. They argued that the BNP's dominance in many local areas had created unnecessary tensions with coalition partners and urged the government to ensure more inclusive political participation.
Leaders from several Islamist parties attending the dinner also voiced dissatisfaction, saying parties representing Islamic values had not received the level of importance they had expected after the BNP came to power.
Participants said the meeting sent a positive signal that both the BNP and its allies were willing to move beyond recent frustrations and work together more closely. They believe that regular dialogue, mutual trust, and greater political inclusion will be crucial to preserving the unity forged during the joint movement and ensuring the coalition's long-term stability.
