NAP, NDP join Jukta Front

Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh (BDB) will expand Jukta Front, taking National Awami Party (NAP) and National Democratic Party (NDP) which quit the 20-party alliance in the alliance.

The decision was taken at a meeting between BDB chief Badruddoza Chowdhury and the leaders of NAP and NDP.

The leaders of the two parties met B Chowdhury, also a former president, at his Baridhara residence around 4:00pm and held a closed-door meeting.

Earlier on Tuesday, NAP and NDP announced to sever ties with the 20-party alliance as they think BNP has deviated from its moral position by forging the Jatiya Oikya Front with the actors of the 1/11 political changeover and 'minus-two formula'.

Talking to reporters after the meeting, NAP chairman Jebel Rahman Gani said they want to work together under the leadership of B Chowdhury for ensuring continuation of democracy and a fair election.

"We consider the ex-president as our guardian. We three parties will work together for ensuring a healthy democratic practice in the country," he added.

NDP chairman Khandaker Golam Mortuza said they came to B Chowdhury for forging a greater unity of democratic and nationalist forces.

BDB joint secretary general Mahi B Chowdhury said the meeting decided to expand the Jukta Front involving NDP and NAP.

On 13 October, Jukta Front's two partners -- Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD-Rob) and Nagorik Oikya -- formed Jatiya Oikyfront with BNP and Kamal Hossain's Oikya Prokriya.