12-party alliance now a rudderless ship

The 12-party alliance, one of the key partners in the BNP-led simultaneous anti-government movement, has become almost inactive after the national election on February 12 this year. Leaders associated with the alliance say it now exists only in name, with no political programmes or organizational activities.

According to multiple sources, the alliance has not held any meetings, coordination sessions or joint political programmes since the election. Although it was once active on the streets as an important opposition platform, almost all of its organizational activities have now stopped.

Leaders say the alliance has been weakened by a leadership vacuum, the departure of several key leaders to the BNP and disagreements over the spokesperson's position.

Sources said alliance spokesperson Mustafa Jamal Haider became largely inactive after he did not receive a BNP nomination in the election. His absence has created a leadership vacuum within the alliance.

At the same time, the alliance's coordinator, Ehsanul Huda, joined the BNP. Shahadat Hossain Selim, chairman of Bangladesh Labor Party (BLDP), another partner of the alliance, also joined the BNP and is now a member of parliament.

Leaders believe these developments have further weakened the alliance's leadership and coordination.

Meanwhile, Kalyan Party Secretary General Shamsuddin Parvez has been introducing himself as the spokesperson of the 12-party alliance. However, several alliance leaders say he has not been officially appointed to the position.

They say the issue has created confusion over the alliance's leadership and increased dissatisfaction among the partner parties.