However, the Islamic movement ultimately did not join the coalition. That night, a 10-party electoral alliance was announced without him. The following day, the Islamic Movement announced that it would contest the elections separately. About a week later, the Labor Party—leaving the BNP-led coalition—joined the 10-party bloc. Since then, the Jamaat-led alliance came to be known as the “11-party electoral alliance”.
Under this banner, he participated in the parliamentary elections of 12 February. Jamaat fielded 224 candidates and NCP 30 candidates.
Ahead of the election, alliance leaders said their unity was not just about elections, but also about basic state reforms, continuing the trial process for the killings in July, and opposing corruption and domination.
Two senior NCP leaders, speaking to Prothom Alo on condition of anonymity on Wednesday, said they do not think the need for an 11-party alliance has gone away.
He pointed to uncertainty over fundamental reforms after BNP MPs did not take oath in the Constitutional Reform Council. BNP’s position on Awami League also remains unclear. Issues of justice, dominance and ongoing corruption also remain. Therefore, he sees a strong possibility that the alliance will continue.