Dhaka, Jan 15 (V7N) — Leaders of 10 parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, held a crucial meeting at the Jamaat central office in Moghbazar on Thursday (January 15) to finalize their seat-sharing agreement ahead of the 13th National Parliament elections. The meeting, which began around 11 am, concluded after 3 pm.

However, no representatives from the Islamic Movement attended the meeting, raising questions about whether the party is exiting the alliance. The absence has sparked speculation, as the final announcement of the 11-party alliance seat agreement was originally scheduled for a press conference on Wednesday afternoon but was postponed without explanation.

Gazi Ataur Rahman, Senior Joint Secretary General of the Islamic Movement and spokesperson of the 11-party alliance, hinted at the possibility of forming a new alliance, signaling growing dissatisfaction.

The Islamic Movement had initially expected over 100 seats to maintain its position as the second-largest force within the Jamaat-led alliance. However, with the alliance offering less than half of the expected seats, the party reportedly lowered its expectations, seeking at least 50 seats for its candidates.

Sources close to the ongoing discussions indicated that the seat-sharing deal among the 10 parties may still be finalized, with an official press announcement expected at 8 pm.

END/SMA/AJ