Anisul, Manju launch new 20-party National Democratic Front
Two Jatiya Party faction chiefs – Anisul Islam Mahmud and Anwar Hossain Manju – have announced the launch of a new 20-party political alliance named the National Democratic Front (NDF).
Mahmud announced the formation of the alliance at a press conference held at Immanuel’s Party Centre in Gulshan on Monday, December 8.
Under the coalition’s structure,Anwar Hossain Manju has been appointed chief adviser to the alliance, with ABM Ruhul Amin Howlader serving as spokesperson and Golam Sarwar Milon named its secretary general.
The other parties joining the alliance include: Janata Party Bangladesh, Bangladesh Jatiya Party, Trinamool BNP, Bangladesh Shangskritik Mukti Jote, Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Andolan, Bangladesh Muslim League, Jatiya Islamic Maha Jote, Jatiya Sangskar Jote, Bangladesh Labour Party, Jatiya Shwadhinata Party, Bangladesh Manbadhikar Party, Bangladesh Sarbajanin Dal, Bangladesh Janakalyan Party, Applied Democratic Party, Bangladesh Ganatantrik Andolan, Democratic Party, and Bangladesh Jatiya League.
In a written statement, Mahmud said the alliance was formed to “ensure Bangladesh’s true democratic transformation, overcome the prevailing political crisis through national consensus, advance reforms aligned with the spirit of the Liberation War and the aspirations of the July 2024 mass uprising, promote Bangladeshi nationalism and centrist liberal democratic politics, uphold Islamic values and interfaith harmony, establish an independent judiciary, end fascism permanently, and give voice to the muted expectations of people longing for good governance.”
He added that all parties would retain their individual identity and ideology while playing an active role in future elections and national politics. The coalition will be known as the National Democratic Front.
The alliance outlined seven core demands:
Ensure a level playing field for a discrimination-free, neutral, transparent, and participatory February election. The interim government must transition into a neutral election-time government within the next two months.
a) All politically motivated cases must be withdrawn to ensure full participation.
b) An inclusive voting system is essential.
Implement reforms — reflecting the aspirations of the July mass uprising — based on national consensus.
Introduce a consensual governance model to establish the rule of law and a healthy liberal democratic political environment.
Restore law and order, taking firm action against terrorists, armed groups, extortionists, and land grabbers, irrespective of political affiliation.
Control the soaring prices of essential commodities.
Prioritise a self-reliant economy, investment, and employment generation.
Establish a corruption-free and discrimination-free social system.
NS/MHK/NMA