The EC launched its dialogue with political parties on November 13 as part of its preparations for the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Until Wednesday, it held four rounds of talks with 48 registered political parties. The Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) received an invitation but did not attend; the other 47 parties participated in sessions held every morning and afternoon.

While 59 parties are currently registered with the EC, the Awami League’s registration remains suspended following the interim government’s ban on its political activities. Registrations of the Freedom Party, Unified Citizens’ Movement, and the PDP were previously cancelled, leaving 55 active registered parties. Of these, the EC has yet to make any decision regarding seven parties: Jatiya Party and six allies of the 14-party coalition.

The six coalition partners still awaiting invitations are: Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), Workers Party of Bangladesh, Samyabadi Dal, Jatiya Party–JP (Manju), Tarikat Federation, and Ganatantri Party.

Following the political shift on August 5, several parties that participated in the mass uprising demanded a ban on the Awami League and called for the deregistration of the Jatiya Party and the 14-party partners, branding them “collaborators of fascism.”

Islamic parties, the National Citizen’s Party (NCP), and Gono Adhikar Parishad formally requested the EC not to invite these parties to the dialogue. Some even submitted written appeals.

Parties that participated

November17 — 12 Parties:
Bangladesh Labour Party, Muktijot, National Awami Party, Kalyan Party, Muslim League–BML, Amar Bangladesh Party, Bangladesh Development Party, Islamic Front, Khelafat Majlis, JAGPA, Zaker Party.

November19 — 13 Parties:
Jamaat-e-Islami, BMJP, Insaniyat Biplob Bangladesh, NCP, Ganosonghoti Andolon, NDM, Labour Party, BNP, Gono Adhikar Parishad, Nagorik Oikya, BRP, BSD (Marxist).