3 February 2026

Political division at its peak ahead of election

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Banglapress Published: 23 September 2025, 10:26 AM
Political division at its peak ahead of election
  Bangla Press Desk:  In politics, it is hard to say when a friend will turn into a foe, or when an enemy will become an ally. Once close partners now stand opposed. Although there was unity during the July uprising, divisions are now visible among many. With the 13th National Parliamentary Election approaching, political polarization has reached its peak. As the government-declared election schedule (February) draws nearer, political tensions continue to rise. Despite long discussions, political parties have failed to agree on the implementation of the July Charter. The BNP supports resolving the constitutional issues of the Charter through the next parliament, while Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolon, and several others want the Charter to be given legal recognition and for the national election to be held on that basis. Differences also remain between BNP and other parties over issues like proportional representation (PR) voting, banning Jatiya Party, and prohibiting the 14-party alliance. As a result, seven parties including Jamaat and Islami Andolon have launched a three-day street program pressing for elections in February under the July Charter. This has raised concerns and unease over the electoral atmosphere. Meanwhile, BNP is keeping a close watch on these movements, determined not to fall into any trap that could disrupt the election. Seven Parties in Action, Including Jamaat The National Consensus Commission, formed to restructure the state system, has been holding dialogues with political parties since March. Despite multiple meetings—both formal and informal—no solution emerged on implementation methods. Under these circumstances, seven parties began a three-day program on Thursday, demanding elections in February based on the July Charter. The parties are: Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolon, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Khelafat Majlish, Nezame Islam Party, Khelafat Andolon, and Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JAGPA).
In addition, NCP, AB Party, and Gana Adhikar Parishad are set to stage separate programs demanding four points (excluding PR). While these parties claim they are not formally aligned, questions are rising among the public as to whether they are uniting against the BNP. With no results at the negotiation table, street movements may give Jamaat and its allies extra leverage. According to them, their protests are not against anyone but for the people—and they seek legal recognition of the July Charter under this government. BNP’s Cautious Observation BNP is monitoring Jamaat and other parties’ movements carefully, concerned that such programs could have a negative impact on national politics. Party policymakers say that if BNP launches counter-movements, political instability may resurface, potentially leading to clashes. BNP leaders argue that although Jamaat and others claim their protests are aimed at the government, the real conflict is with BNP, given disagreements over issues like elections in February under the July Charter, PR voting, and banning Jatiya Party. They believe these movements have hidden agendas—to form an alternative political bloc, ultimately targeting BNP. BNP insists it does not want a heated political environment that could harm the economy and daily life. The party suspects that certain groups may be attempting to destabilize the country by creating issues. Thus, as the 13th National Election approaches, BNP says it will handle any situation with maximum patience. According to Chief Adviser Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s commitment, BNP too wants to see the election as festive and historic.
Still, BNP fears political programs could spark street clashes, raising the risk of election delays. Since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, various movements have emerged, but this is the first time political parties are collectively mobilizing. In this shifting scenario, pro-uprising forces must seek solutions through dialogue to maintain unity. Without compromise, the crisis could spiral out of control—giving defeated forces an opportunity to exploit divisions. This article was originally published on Daily Sun. [Bangla Press is a global platform for free thought. It provides impartial news, analysis, and commentary for independent-minded individuals. Our goal is to bring about positive change, which is more important today than ever before.]
BP/SP
 
[Bangla Press is a global platform for free thought. It provides impartial news, analysis, and commentary for independent-minded individuals. Our goal is to bring about positive change, which is more important today than ever before.]

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