As Bangladesh moves closer to its 13th National Parliamentary Election, left-leaning political parties have begun working on forming a new, broader electoral alliance. Efforts are underway to unite the existing leftist alliances under one platform, with discussions among left-oriented parties and coalitions progressing positively. The new alliance is expected to be announced within October.
The next national election is likely to be held around mid-February 2026, and both the interim government and the Election Commission are preparing accordingly. Political parties across the country have already started their campaign strategies, party reorganizations, and alliance negotiations. A major focus has been on building stronger coalitions to ensure competitive participation in the upcoming polls.
The leftist parties, too, are working toward forming a united electoral front, expanding existing alliances, and merging several smaller coalitions to create a broader progressive bloc. This proposed alliance aims to include not only leftist but also progressive and democratic parties.
The Left Democratic Alliance (LDA) has taken the lead in this initiative, with the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) and the Socialist Party of Bangladesh (BASAD) playing key roles. Discussions are ongoing to bring Bangladesh Jasad, Gono Forum, and Oikya NAP into the fold. Talks are also being held with the Anti-Fascist Left Front to merge forces under a common platform. Over recent weeks, leaders from these groups have held several rounds of formal and informal meetings, and talks with other democratic and progressive parties are also continuing.
There are also discussions about including the Ganatantra Mancha (Democracy Platform), which has been conducting joint movements with the BNP, in the new alliance.
According to sources within the leftist parties, discussions on forming a united electoral front have so far been positive. Parties outside the LDA—such as Bangladesh Jasad, Gono Forum, Oikya NAP, and the Anti-Fascist Left Front—have responded favorably to the proposal. A final decision on the new coalition is expected within October, and leaders believe a new alliance could formally be launched soon to contest the next national elections jointly.
To advance the initiative, the Left Democratic Alliance has convened a key meeting on October 5, where critical decisions on the proposed electoral alliance are expected. Leaders say the new alliance will not only focus on elections but also on broader political and public issues. They hope it will play a major role in future national movements and protests, especially on matters of public interest, economic hardship, and national crises.
BASAD General Secretary and LDA Coordinator Bazlur Rashid Firoz told Banglanews that the alliance would soon decide on its participation strategy for the upcoming election. “We plan to contest the national polls collectively under a united front and are considering forming a larger coalition involving other leftist democratic parties,” he said.
He added that talks are being held to include the Anti-Fascist Left Front, along with Bangladesh Jasad, Gono Forum, and Oikya NAP. “We have already had multiple discussions with these parties, and we also plan to engage with Ganatantra Mancha. If they agree, a new, broader alliance will be formed,” he said.
Bangladesh Jasad General Secretary Nazmul Haque Prodhan also confirmed ongoing discussions with CPB and BASAD, as well as with Gono Forum and Oikya NAP. “We are planning to form a larger alliance of left, democratic, and progressive parties ahead of the national election. The process has advanced significantly, and we hope the new coalition will be announced within October,” he said.
Ganatantra Mancha, which has long worked alongside the BNP in joint political movements, is also in talks with the leftist parties to explore the possibility of joining the broader coalition. Formal and informal discussions between the two sides are ongoing, and leaders expect some results within this month.
Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque, a key leader in Ganatantra Mancha, told Banglanews that his platform is maintaining communication with all relevant parties. “We have held several rounds of talks with both BNP and leftist parties. We are assessing the potential for a new coalition that includes left, democratic, and patriotic forces. The picture will become clearer in the coming days,” he said.
If Ganatantra Mancha reaches an electoral seat-sharing arrangement with BNP, its inclusion in the leftist alliance may become unlikely. However, leaders on both sides said discussions will continue through October to determine the final structure of alliances ahead of the upcoming national polls.
