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Published : 05 Jan 2026, 04:24 PM
Leaders of the left-leaning Left Democratic Alliance have held a meeting with BNP leader Tarique Rahman to discuss the country’s current political situation, law and order, the economy, extremism and the upcoming parliamentary election.
The meeting took place on Monday morning at Tarique's Gulshan office.
Those present from the left alliance included Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) Presidium member Mujahidul Islam Selim, CPB President Kazi Sajjad Zahir Chandan, General Secretary Abdullah Al Kafee Ratan, Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (BaSaD) General Secretary Bazlur Rashid Firoz, Assistant General Secretary Rajekuzzaman Ratan, Bangladesh Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JaSaD) General Secretary Nazmul Haque Pradhan, Standing Committee member Mushtuq Hosain, Bangladesh Socialist Party executive president Abdul Ali, Democratic Revolutionary Party general secretary Mosharrafa Mishu, Bangladesh Revolutionary Communist League general secretary Iqbal Kabir Zahid, editorial board member Prof Abdus Sattar, and BaSaD (Marxist) coordinator Masud Rana.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was also present at the meeting.
The Democratic Left Alliance was formed on Nov 29 ahead of the 13th parliamentary election, bringing together seven left-leaning progressive political parties, including Bangladesh JaSaD.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, BaSaD general secretary Firoz said they had primarily gone to express sympathy to Tarique and his family following the death of his mother BNP late chairperson Khaleda Zia.
“Tarique Rahman had been abroad for a long time, and after returning home he suffered this personal loss. We expressed our condolences and solidarity with the bereaved family and party,” he said.
He added they also discussed broader political issues, including the overall political situation, law and order, the upcoming election, and the rise of fundamentalist and communal forces.
Referring to Tarique’s remarks, Firoz said the BNP leader reiterated that the Liberation War of 1971 is the foundation of Bangladesh.
“He said that without the Liberation War, Bangladesh has no existence. Keeping the aspirations of the mass uprisings of 1990 and 2024 in mind, the country must move forward,” Firoz said.
According to him, Tarique also spoke about building an inclusive, liberal democratic and welfare-oriented state, where believers, non-believers and sceptics can coexist.
“He said the people will remain at the centre of politics, and that development plans must be implemented so people can actually benefit,” Firoz added.
Tarique also emphasised the importance of a healthy political culture, tolerance and democratic practices, including free and fair elections, Firoz said.
The left leaders, he added, stressed that forces opposed to the Liberation War should not be allowed to undermine politics in Bangladesh.
