Although initially established as an ideological coalition, the Awami League (AL), the predominant party within the 14-party alliance, is showing signs of waning interest in the coalition.

According to party sources, the primary reasons for the ruling party’s reluctance stem from organisational weaknesses and the lack of popularity among other alliance members.

During the last 12th parliamentary election, the AL allocated six seats to alliance partners, including the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JASAD) and the Workers Party of Bangladesh, by not fielding any candidates in these contested constituencies.

However, despite this strategic move, the alliance partners secured victories in only two seats while facing defeat in the remaining four. Moreover, these parties were unsuccessful in securing victories in other constituencies outside the compromised ones.

At the same time, these parties do not have a large workforce which can play an important role in politics. So, they always depend on the AL. No visible activity has been noticed from the alliance.

Several AL leaders believe that the 14-party alliance will continue primarily as an ideological coalition. However, they anticipate that the ruling AL will refrain from sharing governmental responsibilities with alliance partners in the foreseeable future. Instead, they foresee collaboration solely on ideological matters.

Moreover, given that some alliance parties have connections with foreign countries, government officials may consider seeking cooperation and assistance from these alliance members in relevant matters, as suggested by AL insiders.

In the 11th Parliament, the allies had a total of 10 members of parliament (MP), which included two MPs in reserved seats. However, their expectations for representation increased to 20 seats in the subsequent Parliament.

The AL compromised by conceding six seats to them, withdrawing its candidates from six constituencies in favour of alliance partners. Despite these efforts, only two lawmakers from other partners of the 14-party alliance were elected to the 12th Parliament.

Consequently, the AL expressed disappointment with the outcome of the 14-party alliance. The ruling party has signalled that it will not consider alliance partners in the realm of voting politics in the foreseeable future.

A senior AL leader noted that other parties within the alliance have benefited significantly from their association. However, they believe that some of these parties have gained more than their due share. As a result, AL President Sheikh Hasina is unlikely to make any concessions to them moving forward.

Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Nomination Board of the AL is going to hold a meeting today to finalise the candidates for the reserved seats for women in the 12th Parliament. The AL may nominate one out of 48 seats to the 14-party alliance, said party insiders.

However, while talking to the Daily Sun, AL General Secretary ObaidulQuader said there is no possibility of giving any reserved seat to the 14-party alliance against their two seats in the present Parliament.

Even then, Sheikh Hasina may give them a reserved seat only with her special consideration, Quader added.

However, according to sources within political circles, the partners of the 14-party alliance are currently in a sluggish mood following their significant defeat in the last election. This defeat has brought a sense of shame to the AL.

As a result, the politics of the 14-party alliance has become somewhat inactive. However, insiders suggest that the AL and its partners will swiftly become active and responsive in the event of any political crisis or the emergence of communal and anti-liberation issues in the country’s politics.

Regarding the alliance’s political dynamics, Workers Party General Secretary Fazle Hossain Badsha stated to the Daily Sun, “We have observed a question about the level of activity within the 14-party alliance. It is not unusual given the absence of recent meetings and activities following the last election. Although a meeting was scheduled, it was subsequently postponed.”

“We will initiate discussions about alliance politics within our party forum soon. Following that, we will determine our course of action and engage in discussions with other parties,” he added.

When asked about any negligence from the ruling Awami League, Badsha responded, “At present, I cannot make any definitive statements regarding that matter. It necessitates thorough discussion and analysis. As the coordinator of the 14-party alliance is a prominent leader within the Awami League, it is incumbent upon him to spearhead efforts to invigorate the alliance. Numerous issues require collective attention, which is why we formed this ideological alliance.”