31 BNP Allies Have Received Nothing

There are 31 political parties that stood as allies of the BNP during its anti-government movement. They were also subjected to attacks and legal cases. The understanding was that if a government was formed, they would also receive political benefits and be part of a shared political journey. However, three and a half months have passed, and none of them have received anything. As a result, leaders of these parties have expressed disappointment. Yet, this dissatisfaction remains largely within their own circles, as communication with senior BNP leadership has effectively come to a halt.

A total of 42 political parties, including four alliances and both registered and unregistered groups, were directly involved in the BNP-led simultaneous movement against the “Awami fascist regime.” In the 13th national parliamentary election, BNP allocated 16 seats to 11 of these parties. After a decisive victory in the election, the party formed a “national government,” appointing two allied leaders as state ministers. However, 31 allied parties have so far received no recognition or benefit. Their disappointment has deepened as none of them were considered for district council administrator posts or reserved women’s seats.

Leaders of the excluded parties are now demanding that, beyond the two existing state ministers, one or two more representatives from allied groups be appointed as technocrat ministers. They also expect others to be accommodated based on merit. Those who contested elections with BNP’s support or on their own party symbols with BNP backing—but lost are seeking representation in the upper house of parliament.

In the 13th parliamentary election, Saiful Haque, coordinator of the Ganatantra Mancha and general secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party, was given the Dhaka-12 seat by BNP. He contested using his party’s “Kodal”symbol with BNP’s support. However, he lost the election after an independent BNP-backed candidate also contested from the area. Speaking to Agamir Somoy, he said it appears BNP has adopted a “solo political strategy,” leading to a breakdown in communication with its allies. He added that BNP seems to be gradually shifting its position on coalition partners and may believe that appointing two allies as state ministers effectively completes a national government.

Reflecting on past struggles, Saiful Haque said their movement partners faced repeated attacks and repression, yet their sacrifices have not been properly recognized. However, he added that the time for recognition has not yet ended, noting that the government has only recently started its tenure and has five years ahead.

Mostafa Jamal Haider, chairman of the 12-party alliance and leader of the National People’s Party, said BNP could have properly recognized its allies, including through reserved women’s seats, but did not do so. He warned that future political challenges would be difficult to handle without ensuring proper inclusion of allies.

Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Babul, chairman of the Bhashani Janashakti Party and another alliance partner, recalled being shot during protests. He described an incident during a demonstration where police opened fire, leaving him with a bullet injury to the head that required 13 stitches and 17 days of hospitalization. He said such sacrifices must be politically acknowledged, otherwise it could weaken future unity.

Several leaders alleged that BNP only engages with its allies during times of crisis or political pressure, otherwise ignoring them. They also pointed out that Jamaat-e-Islami has strengthened its alliance strategy through reserved women’s seat planning, while BNP has taken the opposite approach.

Another allied leader said that Hosne Ara, a presidium member of the National People’s Party , had applied for a BNP nomination for a reserved women’s seat and appeared before the party’s nomination board, but her case was not considered as she was not directly involved in BNP politics.

BNP Standing Committee member and political adviser Nazrul Islam Khan said the party maintains contact with its allies from the simultaneous movement. He added that several allied leaders were given nominations in the 13th election and two were included in the cabinet afterward. He also said BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is attentive to ensuring that allies are accommodated based on merit.