Islamic Democratic Alliance formed

A new alliance named "Islamic Democratic Alliance" (IDA) was formed yesterday, comprising of 15 Islamic and like-minded political parties and organisations, to support the ruling 14-party alliance during the upcoming parliamentary election.

Bangladesh Islami Oikkya Jote Chairman Al-Hajj Misbahur Rahman Chowdhury has been named the chairman of the newly-formed alliance while lawmaker and former secretary general of Bangladesh Tarikat Federation MA Awal is its co-chairman.

Advocate Mohammad Nurul Islam Khan, chairman of Gonotantrik Islamic Movement, is the secretary general of the alliance.

Awal announced formation of the alliance during a press conference at a city hotel.

Of the alliance members, Bangladesh Tarikat Federation is a part of the 14-party alliance led by Awami League.

Tarikat Federation is the lone IDA component that is registered with the Election Commission (EC).

The other alliance members are: Bangladesh Islamic Party, Bangladesh National Awami Party (NAP-Bhashani), Bangladesh Democratic Front, Bangladesh Jamiate Darussunnah, Bangladesh Islami Democratic Forum, Bangladesh Gono Kafela, Bangladesh Jonosheba Andolon, Bangladesh Peoples Democratic Party, Bangladesh Islami Peshajibi Parishad, Islami Union Bangladesh, Bangladesh Manabadhikar Andolon, and National Labour Party.

At the press conference, the alliance members said they will work for continuation of the government's development activities.

Reading out a written statement, Awal, also spokesperson of IDA, said they will work to strengthen the 14-party alliance.

IDA will further work to create mass support for the ruling alliance ahead of the election, he said.

It will hold a rally in the first week of October in the capital and disclose its future plans, he added.

Awal said corruption, illegal drug trade, bribery and adultery cannot be stopped with only enforcing law; change in the mindset of people is also required.

“Role of a religious leader can be more effective to this end,” he added.

Responding to a query, Misbahur Rahman Chowdhury said other members have applied for registration and are hopeful to be registered before the upcoming national election.

Asked about registration of his party, Misbahur said they have submitted necessary documents to the EC in 2008 after their split from Islami Oikkya Jote.

However, the EC did not play its due role for “some reason” in all these years, he alleged.

“The EC has to complete our registration before the election,” he added.

Misbahur also said four to five registered, like-minded political parties are likely to join the new alliance before its October rally.

The alliance will run based on unanimous decisions made by chiefs of its member parties, said Nurul Islam Khan.

He said they worked for the last two years for the alliance, which has been formed based on like-minded political ideology.