Islami Andolan will leave alliance, did not expect: Asif Mahmud

Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, spokesperson of Jatiya Nagrik Party (NCP) and Chairman of the Central Election Management Committee expressed his disappointment over the announcement of Bangladesh Islami Andolan’s withdrawal from the 11-party alliance. He said, ‘We didn’t expect something to happen. Islami Andolan was part of the process before NCP joined this alliance. We hoped that we would all go through this electoral process together. But for various reasons it is not happening. However, we are discussing the liaison committee of this alliance. I will determine the course of action based on the discussion ahead.’

He made this comment at a press conference at the election office of the party in Jhigatala of the capital on Friday night.

Asif also said about the withdrawal of the Islamic Movement, ‘We are entitled to participate in the elections together, but today the Islami Movement Bangladesh held a press conference and told how they will conduct the elections. Our alliance partner Jamaat-e-Islam has already informed about this in detail. We will try, we will go to the people of Bangladesh with the principles on which this electoral unity has been formed.’

The NCP leader said, ‘We will seek votes for the candidates of this alliance. It has already been informed which party will compete in which seat on behalf of this alliance in 253 seats. We hope that any party, including the Islamic movement, who can agree with our principles, will be invited to join this unity.’