Bangladesh News

The Awami League (AL) that has almost finalised its own candidates starts negotiations today with its allies over seat sharing for the election.

The party however sticks to its stance not to take part in any election according to the current schedule.

Meanwhile, the BNP-led four-party coalition has already drawn up its list of candidates. Highly placed sources in the party said the high command might today announce the names formally if the deadline for submission of nomination papers is not shifted from December 21.

AL General Secretary Abdul Jalil last night said, “We are over and done with the scrutiny of our prospective candidates. But the names will be declared later.”

Jalil, also coordinator of the 14-party alliance, said they will formally announce the names of the candidates after discussion with the Jatiya Party (JP-Ershad), Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)-led Jatiya Oikya Front and several other Islamic parties who have joined forces with the 14-party combine and forged a grand alliance.

AL Joint General Secretary Obaidul Quader told The Daily Star that his party is ready to leave at least 80 seats for their allies and like-minded parties.

On the first day, the AL will sit with the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), a component in the 14-party alliance. It has been learnt that the JSD has sought a total of 40 seats. But sources said they would be given highest three seats.

The AL had talks with the LDP yesterday and agreed to allow them 23 seats while the newly floated party wanted 40, according to party sources.

The 11-party and National Awami Party (NAP) will sit with the AL soon to settle the matters relating to seat sharing.

Sources said the 11-party and the NAP will be given no more than 10 seats. The former has authorised Rashed Khan Menon, Nurul Islam and Pankaj Bhattacharya to negotiate with the AL high-ups in this regard.

The JP-Ershad that had earlier sought a total of 72 seats might be finally given between 45 and 50 seats, added the sources.

AL President Sheikh Hasina, JP Chairman HM Ershad, and LDP President AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury have already announced that they will not participate in any polls as per the present timetable.