The seat-sharing process among the 14-party coalition partners has become tense. In Sunday's meeting, the main partner, Awami League, pledged to provide assurance regarding seat allocation within three days. However, that deadline expired yesterday, Wednesday, without any official communication from the Awami League to the coalition partners.
Members of the 14 parties express dissatisfaction, pointing out that they have participated in previous elections three times. They note that Awami League had previously also delayed seat-sharing discussions.
The current situation is more complicated than the three previous elections, as only securing the boat symbol is no longer sufficient. The potential trouble arises from the candidacy of Awami League's independent candidates in the compromised seats. With each passing day, the discomfort among the alliance partners is escalating.
According to sources within Awami League, the party's stance on the 14-party coalition partners is quite clear. Firstly, the partners are expected to accept a reduction in the number of seats they currently hold, as Jatiya Party's demand for seats is comparatively higher this time.
Awami League has also committed to cooperating with other participating parties in the election. Secondly, the party has adopted a strategy of fielding independent candidates in a bid to boost voter turnout and enhance the competitiveness of the election. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is reportedly against the removal of independent candidates as per the partners' demands.
Leaders of Awami League believe that some members are unwilling to grasp this reality, causing delays in reaching an agreement. In response to the situation, the coordinator of the 14-party alliance, Amir Hossain Amu, informed Prothom Alo that there has been no new progress on seat sharing, and it will take some time.
However, members of the 14-party alliance suggest that a decision might be reached by next Friday. Alternatively, some partners may choose to adopt a more assertive stance in this regard.
AL keeps partners under pressure
Last Sunday, members of the 14-party coalition gathered at Sangsad Bhaban (national parliament building). During this meeting, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader participated in discussions about seat sharing for the first time.
Participants were optimistic that an agreement would be reached during this meeting, but no solution emerged. Instead, there were attempts to exert pressure on the coalition partners.
Sources present at the meeting indicated that Amir Hossain Amu attended the discussion from his home, while Obaidul Quader joined from Ganabhaban, the official residence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
During the seat-sharing discussions, Awami League mentioned that nothing could be finalised before 17 December, leading to dissatisfaction among the coalition partners.
Following this, Awami League conducted a survey to assess the popularity of various candidates based on parliamentary constituencies. The survey reportedly revealed that none of the 14-party members were in a favourable position in public opinion polls.
Subsequently, participants realised that Awami League leaders had presented the survey report to exert pressure on the coalition partners.
Najibul Bashar Maizbhandari, chairman of Tariqat Federation, told Prothom Alo that it is normal for the main partner, Awami League, to try to concede fewer seats. Coalition partners are seeking a respectable position, and he believes the matter will be resolved in a day or two.
Four parties in main discussion
Representatives from four parties among the 14-party alliance -- Bangladesh Workers' Party, JASAD, Tariqat Federation, and Jatiya Party -- are currently in parliament. They play a key role in the ongoing discussions about seat-sharing.
In the 2018 elections, the Workers' Party was allocated five seats, with notable victories by party President Rashed Khan Menon, General Secretary Fazle Hossain Badsha, and central leader Mustafa Lutfullah.
However, this time, Rashed Khan Menon is not contesting in Dhaka-8. Instead, he has submitted nomination papers for Barishal-2 and Barishal-3 constituencies. Sources suggest that Awami League has hinted at granting the boat symbol to Rashed Khan Menon in one seat, but the specific seat remains unconfirmed.
Workers' Party sources indicated that both Barishal-2 and Barishal-3 have independent candidates besides those from Awami League and Jatiya Party. Consequently, if Rashed Khan Menon is not prepared in advance, complications may arise.
Meanwhile, there is a positive inclination from Awami League towards conceding Rajshahi-2 to Fazle Hossain Badshah, although this has not been confirmed. However, there is no discussion within the ruling party regarding Mustafa Lutfullah in Satkhira.
Awami League has not nominated anyone for the Kushtia-2 seat, currently held by JASAD president Hasanul Haque Inu. However, there is a strong independent candidate from Awami League in this seat, namely Kamarul Arefin, General Secretary of Mirpur Upazila Awami League.
Arefin, who resigned from the position of upazila chairman, is running as an independent candidate. In Feni-1, Awami League has conveyed that Shirin Akhtar, a three-time JASAD member of parliament, will not be allowed to contest this time. Regarding AKM Rezaul Karim Tansen, another JASAD member of parliament in Bogura-4 constituency, there are no discussions within Awami League.
Najibul Bashar Maizbhandari, Chairman of Tariqat Federation, has been assured of a concession in Chattogram-2 seat. However, his cousin's son, Syed Saifuddin Ahmed, is also contesting for this seat as the head of the Supreme Party, known as King's Party.
JP President Anwar Hossain Manju has submitted nomination for Awami League for the Pirojpur-2 seat, with indications that it will be left to him. However, the main issue revolves around independent candidate Mohiuddin Maharaj, who is the joint general secretary of the district Awami League.
There is uncertainty surrounding JP Secretary General Sheikh Shahidul Islam's desire for the Dhaka-14 seat, as Awami League is currently not engaged in discussions about it.
Dilip Barua from the Samyabadi Dal has informed the Prime Minister about the coalition's nomination for the Chattogram-1 constituency to become an MP once in a lifetime. Despite this, there has been no assurance.
Speaking about the overall situation, Rashed Khan Menon stated to Prothom Alo that there has not been any new communication from Awami League regarding the seat agreement. The negotiation for a seat compromise needs to continue, and with time running out, there is a sense of urgency.