With the 13th parliamentary election approaching, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is contemplating the formation of a ‘grand alliance’, party leader Salahuddin Ahmed has said.

Speaking to journalists on Monday afternoon after paying respects at the grave of late President Ziaur Rahman in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Salahuddin, a member of the BNP’s Standing Committee, said the move aims to unify the party and the nation.

“We have spoken with all eligible candidates across Bangladesh; this is part of that process. Our message is to maintain unity within the party and across the nation.  We are considering a grand alliance with those with whom we have jointly carried out movements. The aim is to navigate this electoral journey together in a united manner,” he said.

In recent days, various departmental candidates have been interviewed at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, where party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee members have conveyed messages from acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman regarding the selection of single candidates.

Salahuddin added, “Our message to candidates is clear – there should be no division; unity is essential. The unity of the nation is our greatest strength. We are conveying to candidates that no one should take the path of division.”

Earlier, marking the 47th founding anniversary of the Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, BNP youth leaders, including its President M. Monayem Munna and Secretary General Nurul Islam Nayan, laid floral wreaths at Ziaur Rahman’s grave, prayed for the late leader’s soul, and attended a special Munajat. 

Salahuddin highlighted the role of youth in national development, stating, “With the aspirations of the youth, we have formulated a 31-point plan and toured the country to understand young people’s political ideas. We are now developing programmes to implement these ideas for nation-building.”

He went on to say, “Insha’Allah, this country will become a youth-driven Bangladesh, providing employment opportunities for young people, based on their ideas, technological skills, and merit. This is the dream our martyrs envisioned—the vision seen in the July mass uprising and during the Liberation War. We will move forward by embracing the thoughts and political aspirations of our youth.”