Islami Andolan to contest election independently

Islami Andolan Bangladesh, led by the Chormonai Pir, will contest the 13th national parliamentary election independently. The party has withdrawn from the electoral alliance formed with Jamaat-e-Islami.

The information was disclosed by Islami Andolan spokesperson Gazi Ataur Rahman at a press conference held at the party office on Friday. He said the party has fielded candidates in 268 constituencies and will support honest and capable candidates in the remaining 32 seats. He clearly stated that Islami Andolan will contest the election on its own.

Earlier, due to disagreements over seat allocation, Jamaat-e-Islami, the NCP and eight other parties reached a compromise in 253 constituencies without Islami Andolan, keeping three seats open for multiple partners. The formal announcement of this electoral alliance was made at a press conference on Thursday night. Although a chair was kept on the stage for Islami Andolan, no representative of the party was present.

Islami Andolan had earlier boycotted a meeting at Jamaat-e-Islami’s office on Thursday afternoon and a press conference held later that night at the Institution of Diploma Engineers in the capital. Despite this, a total of 47 seats, including five open ones, had been kept aside for the party.

It was also announced on Thursday that if Islami Andolan did not join the alliance, Jamaat candidates would contest in the vacant seats. At Friday’s press conference, Islami Andolan formally clarified its position.