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Seven like-minded Islamic political parties from the Qawmi madrasa tradition have reached an in-principle agreement to work together under a common banner, “Like-minded Islamic Parties”, without forming a new political party.
Leaders also agreed that parties currently aligned with political forces such as the BNP or Jamaat-e-Islami could join the unity process and work together.
The decisions were announced at a press briefing following a meeting of the liaison committee of the seven parties at Makhzanul Ulum Madrasa in Khilgaon, Dhaka, on Thursday (October 22).
The meeting began at 10am and continued until 1:30pm. Discussions focused on the unity process, joint activities under a common banner and future strategies.
Under the agreement, the parties will retain their individual identities while coordinating their activities under the shared banner of Like-minded Islamic Parties.
The leaders also discussed holding their next meeting on December 5. Further steps regarding the participation of parties currently allied with the BNP or Jamaat-e-Islami will be taken through discussions and mutual understanding with the respective parties.
Those attending the meeting included Hefazat-e-Islam Secretary General Maulana Sajidur Rahman, Joint Secretary General Maulana Junaid Al Habib, Islami Andolan Bangladesh Secretary General Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman, and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh Secretary General Maulana Monzurul Islam Afendi.
Other participants included leaders from Khelafat Majlis, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Nizam-e-Islam Party, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan and Islami Oikya Jote, along with representatives of the seven-party unity initiative.