8-party electoral alliance emerging consisting JaPa (Anisul), JP

Reza Mahmud :

As the 13th national election approaching, a new electoral alliance is being formed under the leadership of Jatiya Party (JaPa-Anisul) Chairman Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud and Jatiya Party (JP) Chairman Anwar Hossain Manju, sources said.

Insiders said, leaders of approximately 8 political parties will sit a meeting today (Sunday) at a city hotel in Gulshan area for discussing details over forming an alliance. If they become agreed to form an electoral alliance, then it will be formally announced on December 6 through a press conference in a city hotel, leaders said.

They said the 8-party alliance will consist of like-minded political parties that believe in Bangladeshi nationalism, the spirit of the Liberation War, Islamic values, liberal democracy, and harmony among all religions.

It is learned that the political parties that came to express solidarity at the Jatiya Party’s council held on 9 August this year in Gulshan, Dhaka, may also join this new political alliance.

Both sides quietly engage in early discussions aimed at rebuilding their long-divided political base.

When contacted, JaPa (faction) Chairman Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud on Saturday told The New Nation, “We have engaged in discussion over forming an electoral alliance with several like-minded political parties including Jatiya Party (JP) as the 13th national election is approaching.”

He said JP Chairman Anwar Hossain Manju initially agreed with formation of such an alliance.

Contacted, JP Secretary General Sheikh Shahidul Islam on Saturday told The New Nation, “Discussion is going smoothly over forming a greater election oriented alliance between top leaders of JP and JaPa (Anisul).”

He said, as a political party they have preparedness to participate the next polls.

The leaders have not disclosed the names of the probable parties who will join the alliance.

Insiders say the conversations reflect growing interest in restoring cohesion within a party that has, over the past decade, splintered into multiple factions, each competing for influence and organisational control.

The Jatiya Party’s internal fractures have weakened its national footprint, with different groups led at various times by Ershad loyalists, Ranga supporters, Raushan-backed leaders, and regionally powerful sub-factions.

Against this backdrop, analysts view the possible return of the Monju faction as a significant step toward re-establishing a unified centrist platform.

For Manju, the incentive to return is also shaped by recent electoral setbacks. In the last national election, he contested under the Awami League’s ‘boat’ symbol but failed to win, despite strong traditional networks in Bhola and surrounding coastal districts.

Political observers note that the defeat highlighted the limitations of operating as a small, detached faction and may have accelerated interest in forming a broader alliance.

If finalised, a JaPa (Anisul)- JP alliance would combine it’s national party machinery with Manju’s enduring local strongholds.

Political researchers estimate that such a merger could make the combined bloc competitive in 10-12 constituencies where votes were previously split between the different JaPa factions or Manju-backed contenders.

This includes Bhola, Jhalokathi, Pirojpur, and parts of Barishal, where personal loyalty and local patronage continue to play decisive roles.

The move may also strengthen the party’s bargaining position in national politics.

Historically, JaPa has played the role of a “kingmaker,” leveraging a moderate number of parliamentary seats to influence coalition dynamics.

Reunified structure-after years of fragmentation-would offer greater organisational stability and enhance the party’s negotiating power in any post-election alignment.

Although leaders from both sides have avoided confirming formal talks, insiders describe the atmosphere as “constructive” and focused on practical cooperation such as unified candidacies, joint rallies, and coordinated messaging.

While a Anisul-Manju alliance would not dramatically reshape the national landscape, analysts agree it could restore some relevance to a party long weakened by internal divisions.

For now, the political arena is watching closely to see whether the early conversations translate into a formal agreement-one that could subtly but meaningfully influence electoral outcomes in several key coastal constituencies.