DHAKA – In a major strategic move ahead of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad elections, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has officially expanded its political alliance. On Sunday, party Amir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman announced that the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) have formally joined the coalition.

The announcement was made during a press conference held at the Abdus Salam Hall of the National Press Club at 5:00 PM. With these additions, the Jamaat-led bloc now consists of ten “like-minded” political parties aiming for a unified front in the upcoming polls.

United Front but Notable Absence

The event was moderated by Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Amir Mamunul Haque. While prominent leaders such as Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmed Bir Bikram of the LDP were present to show solidarity, no representative from the NCP attended the briefing.

“The eight parties were already together. Two more parties have now joined us. The National Citizens’ Party (NCP) will hold a separate press conference to provide details regarding its decision,”

— Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, Jamaat-e-Islami Amir

Key Figures in Attendance

Several senior leaders from the alliance partners were present at the National Press Club, including:

• Ashraf Ali Akon – Presidium Member, Islami Andolan Bangladesh
• Ahmad Abdul Quader – Secretary General, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis
• Rashed Pradhan – Vice President, JAGPA

The inclusion of the NCP, a party formed by key organizers of the July uprising including Nahid Islam, marks a significant shift in the alliance’s demographic reach, despite recent internal dissent from some NCP women leaders regarding the partnership.

Other National & Entertainment Briefs

In other news today, Hero Alam has formally joined the Aamjanatar Dal. On the cultural front, the music world mourns the loss of Chris Rea (74) and French icon Brigitte Bardot (91). Domestically, launch services from Sadarghat remain suspended due to dense fog, and a major concert by James was canceled following clashes that left 25 injured.

*This report was compiled by the Daily Topnotch Staff Reporter with additional inputs from Jagonews24 and BSS.