A group of opposition parties in Bangladesh, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), said on Sunday it plans to contest the Dec. 23 general election, despite the ruling party last week rejecting a series of their demands.
The group, the Jatiya Oikyafront, a 20-party alliance led by 81-year-old Dr. Kamal Hossain, had in particular wanted a caretaker government to takeover in the weeks heading into the polls.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas Awami League government is seeking to be reelected for a third successive term.
“With the aim of rescuing democracy and a continuation of the movement to sustain a democratic process, Jatiya Oikyafront decided to participate in the election,” said Hossain in a statement, following days of deliberations with alliance members.