12-party alliance leaders eye Cabinet posts amid possible reshuffle

Despite having little visible impact in the February 12 national election and remaining largely inactive since the polls, some leaders of the BNP-backed 12-party alliance are now hoping to secure positions in the government amid speculation of a Cabinet reshuffle later this month.
The leaders argue that the alliance was a major partner in the movement that preceded the election and, therefore, its leaders should receive due priority in the government.
They also point out that leaders of two relatively small parties�"National Democratic Movement (NDM) Chairman Bobi Hazzaz and Ganasamhati Andolon Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki�"have already secured Cabinet positions, while several leaders of the 12-party alliance have remained outside the government.
However, a significant section of the alliance leaders appears satisfied with its decision not to seek government positions.
12-party alliance spokesperson Mustafa Jamal Haider dismissed reports of any internal division. “Everything in the 12-party alliance is as good as before. There is no division within the alliance,” he told the Daily Observer.
“There can be various problems in a family. This is purely our personal matter,” he added.
Asked about Progressive Nationalist Party (PNP) Chairman Firoz Mohammad Liton’s expectation of a Cabinet position, Haider said he was unaware of any such demand.
However, speaking to this correspondent, Liton openly expressed his hope of joining the government as a representative of his party. “As the leader of a party, I can hope to participate in the government’s cabinet,” he said.