Dhaka: A new three-party political alliance named 'Gonotantrik Songskar Jote' (Democratic Reform Alliance) was launched today with leaders vowing to safeguard the spirit of the July 2024 mass uprising and prevent Bangladesh from returning to old politics. The alliance brings together the National Citizen Party (NCP), Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party), and the Rastro Songskar Andolan, aiming to contest the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election with a pledge to fulfil the aspirations for change that emerged after the July mass uprising.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the announcement was made by NCP Convener Nahid Islam at a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) in Segunbagicha, where AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju, Rastro Songskar Andolan President Hasnat Kaiyum, and NCP Member Secretary Akhter Hossain were also present. Nahid Islam emphasized that the alliance started with three parties and aims to unite all forces of the July uprising under one symbol, welcoming any group aligned with the uprising's spirit or committed to state reform.
Nahid stated that the platform was born out of the people's expectation for qualitative change after the 2024 mass uprising. He highlighted that the 'Gonotantrik Songskar Jote' is not just an electoral alliance but a political alliance formed to uphold national dignity and economic emancipation. He expressed concerns about the desire for a 'New Bangladesh' created during the uprising, which had remained largely unfulfilled due to resistance against reforms.
The NCP leader also expressed concern over recent incidents of harassment of candidates in Barishal and Lakshmipur, warning that signs of 'dominance and intimidation' were already emerging. He cautioned that those relying on muscle power or deception in the name of religion for electoral success would be defeated.
AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju indicated that the alliance reflects an aspiration to break away from terror, chaos, and the failures of old-style politics. He acknowledged past mistakes and expressed a desire to correct them and start afresh. Monju noted that the July uprising demonstrated that traditional political forces alone could not defeat authoritarianism, highlighting the role of youth in challenging the regime.
Rastro Songskar Andolan President Hasnat Kaiyum remarked that Bangladesh's past movements demonstrated that political change was always secured through electoral endorsement after major uprisings. He emphasized the collective responsibility to ensure that the sacrifices made during the July uprising are not wasted and called upon all reform-oriented groups to join the platform.
Senior leaders of the three parties, including NCP Senior Joint Convener Ariful Islam Adeeb, NCP Chief Organiser for the northern region Sarjis Alam, Joint Member Secretary Advocate Abdul Al Amin, Nizam Uddin, and Md Alauddin, and Rastro Songskar Andolan leaders Helaluddin, Khalid Hasan, and Shahjahan Islam, were also present.