Leaders of the 14-party alliance partners are not getting support from local units of the Awami League even though they are contesting the elections with the ruling party’s election symbol boat. He is also facing tough challenges from Awami League leaders contesting the elections as independent candidates. Considering the situation, it has become a big question as to how many of the alliance partners will be able to cross the hurdle of elections.
AL is participating in the alliance in the upcoming 12th parliamentary elections. AL withdrew its candidates in six constituencies to contest for the leaders of the 14-party alliance. Among them, JASAD got three candidates in Kushtia-2, Bogura-4 and Lakhipur-4 constituencies. Workers’ Party got nominations from Barishal-2 and Rajshahi-2 seats and JP got one nomination from Pirojpur-2. Top leaders of the alliance are contesting the elections in these constituencies under the ruling party’s election symbol boat.
AL adopted a strategy of fielding independent candidates so that most of the MLAs are not elected unopposed like in 2014. This strategy has hindered the smooth sailing of the leaders of the 14-party alliance. They wanted AL to withdraw its independent candidates from these seats as well, but the ruling party did not agree.