Despite Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) skipping the “all-party meeting” and hinting at a possible exit from the alliance, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Ameer Maulana Mamunul Haque has expressed optimism that the final announcement on seat-sharing will be made with Islami Andolon included. The list of candidates for 250 constituencies would be announced tonight.
Mamunul made the remark while speaking to journalists after a meeting at Jamaat-e-Islami’s central office in Dhaka around 3:00 pm today. He said details of the final deal would be unveiled at a press conference scheduled for 8:00 pm at the Diploma Engineers’ Institution.
The meeting at Jamaat’s central office began at noon with leaders of the alliance member parties, excluding IAB. Speaking after the meeting, Mamunul said, “We have also spoken with Islami Andolan. Details will be shared at tonight’s press conference. Our expectation is that we will be able to move forward together. We hope to make the announcement with Islami Andolan on board.”
Besides Mamunul, those present at the meeting included Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer; Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP); Anwarul Islam Chand, chairman of the Bangladesh Development Party (BDP); Mujibur Rahman Manju, AB Party chairman; and Ahmad Abdur Qader, Khelafat Majlis secretary general, among other top alliance leaders.
After the meeting, Nahid Islam said the 11-party alliance carries political significance. “There is public expectation around this coalition. The differences that exist will be resolved,” he said.
At the closing stage of the meeting, Khelafat Majlis Senior Nayeb-e-Ameer Mohammad Muntasir Ali told journalists outside the Jamaat office that a list of candidates for 250 constituencies would be announced tonight at 8:00 pm at the Institution of Diploma Engineers in Dhaka. He said 50 seats have been kept vacant for Islami Andolan. “If they do not join, candidates for the remaining seats will be announced later,” he added.
Meeting sources said that in a last-ditch effort to keep Islami Andolan on board, Mamunul Haque has been tasked by the alliance to hold further talks with the party.
