DHAKA, Dec 4, 2025 (BSS) - Leaders of the Ganatantra Mancha, an alliance of six political parties, at a discussion today said there is no alternative to holding the national election next February in order to overcome the ongoing crisis in the country. 

They emphasized that psychological distance must not be allowed to grow among the partners of the simultaneous movement. 

The Mancha organized the discussion titled "Current Political Situation, Elections, and the Struggle for Democracy" at the Abdus Salam Hall of Jatiya Press Club.

Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) General Secretary Shahid Uddin Mahmud Swapan chaired the discussion while Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Biplobi Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque, Ganosamhati Andolon Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki and Bhashani Janashakti Party Chairman Freedom Fighter Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Bablu spoke on the occasion.

At the beginning of the meeting, prayers were offered for the recovery of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, and the people of the country were requested to pray for her recovery.

Mahmudur Rahman Manna said no one doubts that the national election will take place in February. 

"We will contest the election in a seat-sharing arrangement with the BNP in a simultaneous manner," he said. 

"Although no final discussion has taken place with the BNP so far, we will make our collective decision after the BNP makes its final stand on seat sharing-whether we contest with them or go ahead as the platform alone. However, we already have candidates prepared for all 300 constituencies," he said.

Saiful Haque said a particular party and group are continuously engaged in various activities to delay or derail the election. 

He said a mutual understanding among the government, the Election Commission, and political parties is essential; otherwise, the upcoming election will become questionable.

Zonayed Saki said under the current circumstances, only a swift, free, and fair election can resolve the crisis. 

It is the responsibility of the government and the Election Commission to ensure a democratic electoral environment, he said.

"Whatever the seat-sharing outcome with the BNP is, we must prepare for the election based on our own strength. We will announce our candidates for all 300 constituencies," he said.

Shahid Uddin Mahmud Swapan called upon the partners of Ganatantra Mancha to remain united and face any situation collectively.

Shahidullah Kaiser, General Secretary of Nagorik Oikya; Akbar Khan, member of the Political Council of the Biplobi Workers Party; Dr. Abu Yusuf Selim, Secretary-General of Bhashani Janashakti Party; Towhid Hossain, Vice-President of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD); and Bacchu Bhuiyan, central leader of Ganosamhati Andolon also spoke.

Farhan Habib, Assistant Office Secretary of the JSD, conducted the programme.