Fearing Awami League comeback, BNP seeks Jamaat support to halt Hasina – Times of India

DHAKA: As Awami League works to regain its footing after the unexpected ouster of Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has sought support from Jamaat-e-Islami to thwart the party’s comeback through the ballot. The development comes amid claims that Hasina has called for “armed resistance” against the Muhammad Yunus-led interim govt.
Commenting on the alliance with Jamaat, senior BNP leader Mirza Abbas said Monday, “We must seek unity (with Jamaat) so that we can rebuild this country…” The call for a united anti-Awami front comes even as it was widely believed that the two parties would enter the next electoral fray separately. Jamaat is an old BNP ally. BNP claims that though Hasina has fled to India, her associates remain in the country. “…if Jamaat & BNP work together, Awami League will not be able to stage a comeback,” Abbas said.
On Sunday, Awami League hinted that it may begin a street agitation against the Yunus govt. “Awami League, together with the people of Bangladesh, will take to the streets…,” Hasina’s party announced on its verified Facebook page. “We are planning to demonstrate and resume our political activities,” Voice of America quoted Awami League organising secretary as saying.