Allies set for bigger role in government?
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
The ruling alliance partners who stood with the BNP during the joint anti-government movement may soon secure a larger share in the government, according to party insiders. The discussion has gained momentum following Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's recent meeting with leaders of allied parties.
On Monday, the prime minister hosted alliance leaders for a dinner at the state guest house Jamuna, where both sides discussed the allies' role in the government. During the meeting, leaders of the partner parties pressed for greater participation and stronger recognition in state affairs. The prime minister assured them that their contributions would be duly acknowledged.
Sources involved in BNP policymaking said the party wants to maintain close ties with its longtime political allies and avoid any rift that could weaken the coalition ahead of potential political challenges. As part of that strategy, the party is considering appointing alliance partners to key positions in the government and state institutions.
According to the sources, coalition partners may receive a greater share of responsibilities in an upcoming cabinet reshuffle. Discussions are also underway over appointing their nominees to various corporations, government agencies and state-owned institutions. Some leaders believe the process has already begun, citing the appointment of former Gono Odhikar Parishad Secretary General Rashed Khan as the prime minister's political assistant with the rank of secretary.
Ahead of the 13th parliamentary election, the BNP allocated 16 constituencies to its 11 alliance partners. After forming the government, it appointed two leaders from allied parties as state ministers. However, most partners believe their representation in government remains limited and are seeking a more meaningful role.
Sources said the alliance leaders raised these issues directly during the meeting with the prime minister. Those who spoke included Mostafa Jamal Haider, chairman of the Kazi Zafar faction of the Jatiya Party; Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna; Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque; Bangladesh Jatiya Party Chairman Andaleev Rahman Partho; Gono Forum leader Subrata Chowdhury; Gono Dal leader Golam Mawla Chowdhury; and Jamiyat leader Golam Mohiuddin Ikram. They called for greater participation in the government while stressing the need to preserve coalition unity in the face of future political challenges.
Political analysts believe the country's political climate could become more volatile in the coming months. Jamaat-e-Islami has already stepped up its campaign both inside and outside parliament to demand implementation of the July National Charter and the referendum verdict. At the same time, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has announced that she plans to return to Bangladesh in December to surrender before a court. Analysts say these developments could intensify political tensions, making coalition unity increasingly important for the ruling party.
Senior BNP leaders also believe the government will face growing political pressure and attempts at destabilization from its opponents. They say the party must strengthen its organizational activities while keeping coalition partners engaged in shaping its political strategy.
BNP Joint Secretary General Syed Emran Saleh Prince said the alliance partners had stood together during the anti-authoritarian movement and the election, and that their participation, cooperation and advice were now being valued in governing the country. He added that the party aims to further consolidate the alliance as political polarization deepens.
Mostafa Jamal Haider, chief of the 12-Party Alliance and chairman of the Kazi Zafar faction of the Jatiya Party, said the meeting with the prime minister had laid the groundwork for future joint political programs between the ruling party and its allies. He said the prime minister had delivered a message of continued unity and that the allies would move forward together and jointly confront any future political crisis.
BNP Standing Committee member Selima Rahman said it was natural for the like-minded parties that joined the BNP-led anti-authoritarian movement to have expectations and demands. She said the BNP had accommodated many allies by allocating election nominations and appointing some to the cabinet, adding that the party could do more in the future.
