Leaders of major Qawmi madrasa-based Islamic parties have said their consensus is expanding.
The first five members of the platform are: Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB), Khilafat Majlis, Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis, Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam, and Nezam-e-Islam Party.
Two representatives from each party have been appointed to a joint consensus committee, party sources confirmed.
Talking about a recent meeting of the platform, Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis Secretary General Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmed, a key stakeholder in the initiative, told Stream, "Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam's representative was not present. As a result, the remaining four parties agreed to include Islami Oikya Jote and Bangladesh Khilafat Andolon in the consensus."
Meanwhile, Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) Publicity Secretary Sheikh Fazlul Karim Maruf said the aim was to form a "greater Islamic consensus" ahead of the 13th upcoming national elections. Along with the two new parties, more could join soon.
"We want all Islam-based political parties to form a grand consensus. Some parties are communicating with us, though some have an Islamic name without functioning as Islamic parties in practice. Even newly formed parties seeking Election Commission registration are reaching out."
Khilafat Majlis Central Publicity member Jamirul Islam said the Bangladesh Muslim League, once part of their discussions but later disengaged, has resumed talks with the coalition.
Islami Andolan's Sheikh Maruf said although the inclusion of Jamaat-e-Islami has not been seriously discussed yet, leaders believe their participation would bring virtually all Islamic parties under one umbrella.
Jamaat, however, declined to comment, saying it was "not the time".
The initiative of creating consensus started when five Islamic parties met at IAB's central office under the leadership of IAB Ameer Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim on 23 April this year.
In that meeting, five points were agreed upon: strategic discussions on fielding single candidates for Islamist parties based on constituencies, unity to establish an Islamic welfare state free from hegemony and imperialism, ensuring trial of the Awami League and those accused of genocide as "fascist parties," holding national elections after necessary reforms and abolishing the Women's Affairs Reform Commission.
Following the meeting, representatives of the five parties met at the offices of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam and Khilafat Majlis on several occasions.
According to IAB Publicity Secretary Sheikh Maruf, "consensus" means agreeing not to compete against each other in certain constituencies. For example, if IAB fields a candidate in Sylhet-2, no other party in the consensus would contest there. All coalition supporters would campaign and vote for that candidate.
Sources within the alliance say the 13th national polls will see multiple electoral blocs. While the alliances of BNP and those of left-wing parties are already taking shape, the positions of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and Jamaat remain uncertain. This is one reason the Islamic consensus is holding back on making major decisions.
"We have chosen discussion as the best way to collaborate among all Islamic political parties of the country," said Bangladesh Khilafat Majhlis's Secretary General Maulana Jalaluddin.
Jalaluddin mentioned that strengthening the consensus internally is their first priority.
"We are working to keep united and make the consensus stronger. We are also exploring ways to incorporate other parties and form alliances with bigger players like Jamaat. Once we are strong enough, we will move toward larger coalitions."
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