Tarique urges unity among allies

Bangla Press Desk:   BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday called on allied parties to work in unity to rebuild the country, as he held a courtesy meeting with senior leaders of the 12-party alliance.
The meeting took place at the party’s Gulshan political office and formed part of BNP’s broader efforts to strengthen political engagement and coordination ahead of the 13th parliamentary election, scheduled for 12 February this year.
According to the party’s media cell, the discussion reflected ongoing political developments and mutual cooperation between the BNP and its allies. 
Tarique Rahman exchanged greetings with the visiting leaders and enquired about their well-being, with the talks held in what participants described as a cordial and respectful atmosphere.
Although no formal agenda or joint statement emerged from the meeting, the exchange underscored continued communication and coordination between the BNP and the 12-party alliance at a politically significant moment. 
The interaction highlighted long-standing political ties and shared understandings between the parties, particularly in the context of the forthcoming national polls.
BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan was also present, signalling senior-level engagement by the party leadership.
From the 12-party alliance, several prominent leaders attended, including Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh Secretary General Mufti Ghulam Mohiuddin Ikram and Islami Oikya Jote Secretary General Maulana Abdul Karim, alongside other senior representatives.
The 12-party alliance has historically aligned itself with the BNP-led opposition bloc and has often played a supportive role in movements demanding electoral reforms, the restoration of democracy and greater accountability in governance. A senior alliance leader who attended the meeting said Tarique Rahman urged the allies to remain united in their efforts to rebuild the country. 
In recent months, opposition parties have repeatedly stressed the importance of unity to push for a credible and inclusive political process.
Another alliance leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, said such engagement carries particular political significance as the country moves towards a national election in what he described as a challenging environment, shaped by widespread disinformation from a certain political quarter.
Interactions between the BNP leadership and allied parties will be crucial to securing victory in the upcoming general election, the leader said, hinting at challenges posed by BNP’s rebel candidates.
An alliance insider noted that the meeting with the 12-party alliance reflects the BNP’s continued effort to maintain and strengthen ties with like-minded political parties as the election approaches.

BP/TD