The dominance of major political parties has long been evident in Bangladesh’s political landscape. In the absence of the Awami League, whose activities are currently banned, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has emerged as the country’s largest political force. Following BNP, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami holds a strong position in terms of organization and grassroots support. The nation’s overall political dynamics now largely revolve around these two parties. Amid this reality, smaller and newly formed political parties are facing the greatest pressure, with many struggling to survive.
Meanwhile, the Jatiya Party—considered a mid-level political force—had weakened significantly due to internal divisions. Recently, however, efforts toward unity between the Jatiya Party (Manju) faction and the group led by Anisul Islam Mahmud have sparked fresh political discussion. At the same time, the Jatiya Party led by G.M. Quader is reportedly working to strengthen its position by establishing contacts with Awami League leaders who are currently in hiding. The party has already nominated candidates in 245 constituencies. Political analysts believe that while the party may not be aiming for state power, it is seeking to secure a strong position in Parliament as the main opposition.
Small Parties Being Absorbed Into Major Alliances
According to political analysts, the alliance-based politics centered on BNP and Jamaat has made survival increasingly difficult for smaller parties. Several minor parties have already joined alliances led by these major players. Others have gone a step further by dissolving their organizations and directly joining BNP or Jamaat. As a result, many small parties are gradually disappearing from the country’s political map.
Many parties that once emerged with promises of ideological reform, alternative politics, or systemic change are now seeking their future under the shadow of larger parties. Observers note that maintaining an independent political identity and decision-making authority has become increasingly challenging for such groups.
Concerns of Determined Small Parties
However, not all small parties are willing to merge into larger ones. Some remain determined to preserve their separate identities. These parties are deliberating how to survive politically without joining alliances and how to increase their acceptability among voters on their own.
Leaders of these parties say that remaining outside major alliances makes it extremely difficult to participate meaningfully in elections, nominate candidates, or gain visibility in the media. On the other hand, joining an alliance raises fears of losing ideological independence and decision-making power. As a result, many find themselves caught in a dilemma.
Parties Unable to Join Alliances Despite Interest
Political circles suggest that several small parties have expressed interest in joining alliances but have been unable to do so in practice. This is particularly true in the case of the Jamaat-led alliance, where limitations on accepting new parties have reportedly emerged.
Multiple political sources say Jamaat has already informed several interested parties that there is no longer room to include additional members. Factors such as the growing size of the alliance, complications in seat-sharing arrangements, and concerns over ideological compatibility are believed to be behind this decision.
As a result, parties that were hoping to align with Jamaat have become disillusioned, with some now looking toward BNP as an alternative.
BNP Also Shows Limited Interest
The situation is not much different on the BNP front. Discussions suggest that although several small parties have expressed interest in joining BNP-led alliances, the party has shown little enthusiasm. BNP policymakers reportedly believe that including too many small parties could complicate alliance management and electoral strategy.
Several BNP leaders, speaking informally, have indicated that the party is currently in a strong organizational position and is focusing more on leveraging its existing strength and public support rather than expanding alliances. Consequently, small parties are not receiving the response they had hoped for.
Frustration and Uncertainty Among Small Parties
Under these circumstances, small political parties are facing the most severe challenges. If they fail to join alliances, competing effectively in elections becomes difficult. Yet joining alliances brings the fear of losing their identity. Trapped between these two realities, many parties are growing increasingly frustrated.
Some party leaders argue that alliance politics ultimately uses small parties only to sideline them later. Others believe the crisis stems from the failure of small parties themselves to build strong organizations and solid voter bases.
Analysts’ Views on Alliance Politics
Political analysts note that alliance politics in Bangladesh is no longer based on equal partnership. Instead, it primarily serves the strategic needs of major parties. While small parties may be included as supporting forces, their role in decision-making remains limited.
Analysts further emphasize that if small parties wish to survive in the long term, they must move beyond dependence on alliances and focus on developing independent political programs, strengthening grassroots connections, and building organizational capacity.
Threat to Political Diversity
Experts warn that the disappearance or weakening of small parties is reducing political diversity in Bangladesh. As dominance by major parties increases, space for alternative opinions, new ideas, and reform-oriented politics continues to shrink.
Such a trend, they argue, poses a potential risk to democracy itself, as a healthy democratic system requires the presence of strong, diverse political forces.
Overall, the future of small political parties remains uncertain under the shadow of alliance politics dominated by BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. Some are merging into larger parties, others are becoming disillusioned, while a few persist in their struggle to survive independently.
As the 13th National Parliamentary Election draws closer, political observers believe these challenges will become even more pronounced. Ultimately, the path small parties choose to protect their political existence remains an open question.