Dhaka, Dec 09 (V7N) – A new 18-party electoral alliance was formally launched in Dhaka on Monday under the leadership of two factions of the Jatiya Party — one led by Anwar Hossain Manju and the other by Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud. The coalition, announced at a press conference in a city hotel, introduced itself as the National Democratic Front (NDF). Diplomats from India, the United States, the United Kingdom and Brunei attended the event.

Six of the registered parties within the coalition participated in the highly criticised January 7 election last year, an election often described as a “dummy vote.” These include the Bangladesh National Movement (BNM) and Trinamool BNP — two parties previously referred to as “King’s Parties” for allegations of benefiting from political engineering during the election cycle.

The NDF named Jatiya Party (Manju) chairman Anwar Hossain Manju as chief adviser of the coalition. Manju served twice as a cabinet minister under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The alliance appointed Anisul Islam Mahmud, chairman of another Jatiya Party faction and a former minister in the Awami League government, as its president. Mahmud also served as deputy leader of the opposition in the now-defunct 12th Parliament before its dissolution following the student-led uprising.

ABM Ruhul Amin Howlader, secretary general of the Jatiya Party faction led by Mahmud, was named the chief spokesperson of the alliance. Golam Sarwar Milon, acting chairman of the Jonota Party led by Ilias Kanchan, was appointed as coordinator.

The alliance includes several registered political groups beyond the Jatiya Party factions and BNM, such as the Cultural Freedom Alliance, Ganofront, Muslim League and Trinamool BNP. These parties participated in the previous national election but later became largely inactive due to their poor electoral performance.

Other parties in the coalition include the National Islamic Grand Alliance, Bangladesh Swadhin Party, Bangladesh Independence Party, Democratic Alliance Party, Ganotantrik Andolon, Democratic Party, Jatiya Cultural Alliance, JASAD (Shahjahan Siraj), United Democratic Party and Ganandolon.

Addressing the press, Anwar Hossain Manju said that despite infrastructure development over 54 years, the country has failed to ensure basic rights and personal security. He added that successive governments have ruled through fear and that the fundamental spirit of independence remains unfulfilled. Manju argued that genuine independence means the freedom to speak without fear — something he believes the nation still lacks.

Speaking on the role of the interim government, he stated that its primary responsibility was to defuse political tensions and ensure a free and credible election. He criticised the administration for failing to create a neutral environment free from political influence, adding that the interim authorities appeared lenient toward certain political groups.

NDF President Anisul Islam Mahmud read the coalition’s declaration, expressing concern that although elections are expected within two months, there is no visible preparation at the grassroots level. He said public skepticism remains high about whether the election will take place at all. Rising lawlessness, soaring commodity prices, political unrest and a climate of accusations and counter-accusations have created what he described as an “alarming pre-election environment.” Under such circumstances, Mahmud said he does not believe a fair election is possible.

Chief spokesperson Ruhul Amin Howlader said the interim government must ensure an inclusive election with participation from all major political forces, warning that any election held by excluding key parties would lack legitimacy and long-term stability.

Senior party leaders including Mujibul Haque Chunnu, Kazi Firoz Rashid and Syed Abu Hossain Babla were present at the event.

END/AJ/SMA/