BNP-led group loses two allies: National Democratic Party, NAP

The National Democratic Party and Bangladesh NAP have walked out on the 20-party alliance, citing the BNP’s turn to the so-called 1/11 actors who actively backed the then emergency government.

Staff Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 16 Oct 2018, 11:01 AM
Updated : 16 Oct 2018, 12:14 PM

The latest move came just days after the BNP joined a new political alliance led by Dr Kamal Hossain. The break-up underlines a growing political rift weakening the BNP ahead of the looming parliamentary election. 

Chairman of Bangladesh NAP Jebel Rahman Gani and NDP Chairman Khandaker Golam Mortuza announced their decisions to cut ties with the BNP-led grouping, at a news conference in Dhaka on Tuesday.

“Most of the people who are playing leading roles in the formation of the Oikya Front masterminded the 1/11 government. Many of them were involved in the implementation of the minus two formula,” said Gani, grandson of the late politician Mashiur Rahman, also known as Jadu Mia.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is in jail in a case that dates back to the army-backed emergency rule, Gani said.

“The BNP has now joined those leaders who were behind the case,” he said.

"We are scared.”

Gani indicated that his party does not want to be part of “a conspiracy to bring another undemocratic evil force to power”. 

In reactions, BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan said the 20-party alliance believes there is a different reason behind their exit.

On Oct 13, the Jatiya Oikya Front, a new alliance, was formed under the leadership of Dr Kamal Hossain, leaving out Jukto Front chief AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury.

Barrister Mainul Hosein, an adviser to the army-backed government, is an active member of the new alliance.

Sultan Muhammed Mansur Ahmad, former DUCSU vice-president, fell out with the Awami League, just like Mahmudur Rahman Manna, who was identified as a reformist during the emergency rule.

Leaders of the ruling Awami League branded the new alliance as a “network of conspirators and corrupt people”.