Fifteen Islamic parties plan polls alliance

Around 15 Islamic parties affiliated with Hefajat-e Islam are mulling to form a new alliance to participate in the next parliamentary polls and highlight among voters its 13-point demand, including scrapping the education and women policies and building an Islamic state.
The declaration came at a views-exchange meeting organised by “Islami Dalsamuha” (alliance of Islamic parties) at the head office of Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon (BKA) in the capital's Lalbagh yesterday.
The alliance will act against the ruling Awami League as they consider it an “anti-Islamic element”, said leaders of the parties, including Khelafat Majlish and Islami Ain Bastabayan Committee.
“Our first target is to oust the ruling Awami League government and take steps so that the party cannot come to power in the next general election,” said Zafrullah Khan, secretary general of BKA and a member secretary of Islami Dalsamuha.
Another leader said they might participate in the next polls under the banner of BNP-led alliance.
Islami Dalsamuha Convener Shah Ahmadullah Asraf said all previous governments were “fraudsters” as none kept their promise to work for Islam.
He urged all Islamic parties to unite under one umbrella and form an alliance to participate in the next general polls to secure a win.