For the past two weeks, discussions had been underway about forming an election alliance among four parties—the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party), Bangladesh State Reform Movement, and the Ganadhikar Parishad. That effort is finally moving forward, but the Ganadhikar Parishad will not be part of the final coalition.

This afternoon at 4:00pm, NCP, AB Party and the State Reform Movement are scheduled to formally announce their new alliance at a press briefing at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU). The participating groups describe the coalition as a political and electoral platform dedicated to “upholding the pledges of the July uprising and shaping a new political framework.”

Earlier in the day, NCP media cell official Mushfiq-us-Salehin informed journalists that the press conference would outline this initiative focused on political unity among those supporting reforms promised after the July events. Leaders from NCP, AB Party and the State Reform Movement are expected to attend.

Sources within AB Party also confirmed the announcement, saying that representatives from several like-minded groups may appear at the event.

Talks about such an alliance—distinct from both the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami—first surfaced late last month. A joint declaration was initially planned for 27 November at the Shaheed Abu Sayeed Convention Center in Shahbagh. The night before that event, leaders from NCP, AB Party, the State Reform Movement and the Ganadhikar Parishad held a lengthy meeting in the capital but failed to reach full agreement, leaving the initiative uncertain.

A key sticking point was whether to include United Peoples Bangladesh (UP Bangladesh)—a platform created by former members of Islami Chhatra Shibir. NCP strongly opposed their inclusion, while internal disagreements within the Ganadhikar Parishad further complicated matters. As a result, the coalition announcement was postponed.

According to current indications, neither UP Bangladesh nor the Ganadhikar Parishad will be part of today’s alliance declaration. When asked, Ganadhikar Parishad general secretary Rashed Khan said that his party had raised several questions regarding the alliance’s purpose, goals and viability during earlier meetings. Since those questions remain unanswered, he said, the party does not feel comfortable joining a coalition without clarity.