Positioning themselves as an alternative to Awami League, BNP, and Jamaat-e-Islami, nine left, progressive, and democratic parties have launched a new political alliance named ‘Ganatantrik Juktofront’, aiming to take a united stance in the upcoming national election and various mass movements.
The alliance was formally announced on Saturday during a national convention held at the Institution of Engineers, Dhaka, jointly organised by the Left Democratic Alliance and Bangladesh JASAD. The daylong convention began at 11am with the national anthem. More than 1,500 representatives—including politicians, intellectuals, journalists, students, workers, women, doctors, lawyers, engineers, cultural activists, Dalit and Harijan community members—participated.
The nine parties joining the new alliance are:
1. Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB)
2. Socialist Party of Bangladesh (BASAD)
3. Democratic Revolutionary Party
4. Revolutionary Communist League of Bangladesh
5. Socialist Movement of Bangladesh
6. BASAD (Marxist)
7. Bangladesh JASAD
8. BASAD (Mahbub)
9. Sonar Bangla Party
Leaders hinted that other left-leaning groups—such as Oikya NAP, Ganomukti Union, Samyabadi Andolon, and Naya Ganatantrik Ganomorcha—may also join soon.
Presenting the draft declaration, CPB General Secretary Abdullah Kafi Ratan said the country needs a “progressive democratic government” to ensure a peaceful and secure future. He said the new front aims to build a “people’s own political power” through a broad alliance of democratic and progressive forces, including ethnic minorities, women’s groups, labour organisations, and rights activists.
The alliance will be run by a “Coordination Committee” consisting of party representatives and progressive individuals, operating under a collective leadership model.
Renowned academic and writer Prof. Serajul Islam Choudhury described the front as a platform for “social revolution”, saying the future of Bangladesh “depends on such an initiative”.
Economist and activist Prof. Anu Muhammad stressed that the people want change and that leftists represent that aspiration. He called for bringing non-party social activists and grassroots fighters into the movement.
Former CPB President Mujahidul Islam Selim criticised the current political landscape, saying parties are bargaining for parliamentary seats like “vendors adjusting prices in the market”. He urged the left to “break the ice” and rebuild public trust.
Bangladesh JASAD President Sharif Nurul Ambia said that from today, all members of the alliance will carry a single identity—“activists of the Ganatantrik Juktofront”. He emphasised the need for unity in the face of “attempts to distort the glorious history of the Liberation War”.
Left Democratic Alliance Coordinator Bajlur Rashid Firoz argued that the interim government formed after the July uprising aims to replace the spirit of the Liberation War, making it urgent for the people to build their own political force.
Speakers at the convention expressed hope that Ganatantrik Juktofront would emerge as a genuine third alternative in national politics, capable of mobilising disillusioned citizens and leading a transformative movement.
The convention concluded with calls for unity, activism, and preparation for the upcoming national election and simultaneous referendum.
