Sheikh Hasina, the head of the alliance, has sat in a meeting with the 14-party alliance led by the ruling Awami League.
The meeting began on Monday (December 4) evening at Ganabhaban, the official residence of the Prime Minister. Awami League president Sheikh Hasina is presiding over it.
A 14-party alliance was formed under the leadership of Awami League in 2004 on the basis of liberation war, democracy and non-communal ideals. The Awami League-led Grand Alliance participated in the last three parliamentary elections by sharing seats. After getting the confirmation of election in the boat symbol, the alliance leaders submitted the nomination papers. But this time, Awami League is proceeding with the policy of going it alone. The partners of the alliance are not happy with this. In such a situation, the leaders of the alliance wanted to sit with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Finally their wait is over today.
The Grand Alliance has 10 seats in the current parliament. Apart from the party candidates of Awami League, there are independent candidates in these constituencies. This has created fears that if there is no compromise and Awami League nominated heavyweight leaders are in the field, it will be difficult to pass the partners. Besides, they are not leaders to be caught as dummy candidates.